RAW MATERIALS

Click on the pictures below to see larger images.

RED ABALONE SHELLS

Approximately 8" long and over a pound each, these have beautiful deep red outside shell color (underneath the crusty surface) that looks like oxblood coral when polished. The crusty outer surface can be sanded off or removed by dipping in phosphoric acid (hardware store) to leave the handsome rippled surface.  This is old inventory, shells like this are tough to come by-$25 ea.

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TAGUA NUTS OR VEGETABLE IVORY

The seed of a tropical palm tree from South America. Very hard with a thin dark skin and subtle grain, a fine low-priced ivory substitute. These run from 1 1/4" -2" and are great for scrimshaw (spray with clear lacquer first) or carving (stay away from the cavity in the center).
RAW 2" diam.-$2 each or mixed sizes-$10 per pound, 5 lb-$40, 20 pounds-$120.
WINDOWED With polished and lacquered window ready to scrimshaw 2"-$4.50 ea., 5-$20.

(See "All in a Nutshell" in the book section).

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STELLER'S SEA COW RIB BONE

Steller's Sea Cow was "discovered" in 1741 in the Bering Sea. Sailors killed the slow-moving animals for food, and by 1768 they were extinct. The rib bone is very dense, has no hollow or marrow and is various shades of tan and brown. Great for carving, large hidden tang or slab handle knives, sword and gun handles, and takes a high polish. Pieces up to 2' long, 1 1/2" - 4" diameter; will cut to your length needs. We have a wide range of sections and slabs besides the following; please call with your requirements.
SECTION (A) 1 1/4" x 1 3/4" x 4 3/4" long-$37.
SECTION (B) 2 1/2" x 3 1/4" x 4 1 2" long-$65.

Stellers Sea Cow
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Please Note:  Orders  for merchandise totaling less than $50 are charged a $5 processing fee.

BOONE TRADING COMPANY 1-800-423-1945

Page last updated: October 4, 2007