Pete you exactly right about a grain structure in ivory. That and the smell when heated, which smells like burning hair are easy ways to tell fake from real ivory.
I just sent a number of guns out to be sold. This item was brought up and dealt with in what I thought was a decent way. I removed the ivory sights in four guns that were less than a hundred years old. Guns older than a hundred should be exempt from this new "ruling". Replaced them. the old ivory bead, with a modern sight which was a plastic ivory like bead and placed the ivory sight in a small coin envelope attached to the gun. This sight will be given to the new owner if they wish it. They can have it reinstalled if they wish.
The ivory can not be sold, imported or exported. A gift seemed safe as a way to keep the sight and gun in the same hands. And who knows the new owner may decide the trouble the bead may bring does not merit the risk. I am sure this loophole will be covered by executive order in due course. can not wait until the shoe is on the other foot and "conservative" executive orders are written. Sure the free press will feel free to howl and scream about the illegal actions then.
