nearly all good old bows have an Ivory tip guards @ the sharp end.Abalone n Mother of pearl are also pretty heavily regulated,& might need paper work as regards to the Specific Species of said material for Christs sake! or so he said...could be a nightmare in many occupations if they get the magnifying glass out
Heard an NPR feature on this situation today, think it was on Marketplace. Included an interview that indicated the orchestra had filed all the required paperwork on their bows, including photos, before they entered the U.S. and had obtained permission to bring the bows in. Still, seven (I think) of the bows were held at Customs and these world class professionals were forced to play with borrowed bows. When they left the country, they got their bows back but had to pay a substantial fine. Absurd. The government is out of control. Good luck traveling with an old double with ivory bead.
