Bosendorfer Keys?

[joenavy91]

Good day all,
    Quick question I was hoping someone might have an answer to.  I was lucky enough to come across an older Bosendorfer 195 overseas, and it is being shipped over as I write this to join my Baldwin Grand.  The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife has raised a concern about the keys, namely the fact that these are ivory.  Of course, ivory import is currently banned.  I'm looking to find out if anyone either knows or has a reference that indicates when Bosendorfer stopped using real ivory in it's keys.  Thanks.  Have a great day.

Larry

[dinosaurtales]

Let's just say that most European countries stepped on that bandwagon after the US did.  That said, though, the real fuss should be over NEW products, not one that was made before the ban.  Do you know waht year the piano was made?

[dinosaurtales]

Let's just say that most European countries stepped on that bandwagon after the US did.  That said, though, the real fuss should be over NEW products, not one that was made before the ban.  Do you know waht year the piano was made?

[joenavy91]

Not sure on the exact date - but this is almost certainly a prewar piano.  

[dinosaurtales]

That's good - if you can get a manufacture date you might be able to argue it.  I've not dealt with the animal side of F&W, but the plant side, the CITES guys, are awful.  There are two main problems.  First the laws were written to stop ransacking wildlife for *silly* product use, but the laws just say *plant/animal products cannot be transported internationally*.  So never mind your product was made before anybody ever even thought of these things.  Also, it prevents programs that actually can save these plants and animals.  Just ask any zoo manager or orchid botanist.  

Then, consider who is asked to enforce the laws (the guys YOU are actually dealing with).  They have almost no education  in botany or zoology or anything else for that matter.  They just look at your stuff and say it's illegal.  It's really the only thrill they get in life, so arguing out of it is a tricky bit of tact.  I say, gather as much genuine info on the piano that you can - dates of manufacture, where it was made, etc. and find a lawyer if possible to help you with the *presentation* if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.  

My piano teacher has a Petrof from 1985 with ivory keys, so I know it can be done - she didn't do anything by the way.  So it may just be finding the right person.