Using bone as a modeling material - sources?

[rericadams]

Hello, everyone...

 

Most of my time is spent repairing and restoring other people's models, mostly made in the past

by the client's family patriarch. Some are fine models, others are just sentimental junk. Currently,

I am tasked to clean and restore a bone model of an Inuit kayak from Western Greenland, which

I estimate is at least 100+ years old. It is carved from the solid, I am assuming from either Walrus,

Whale, or Elk bone, a few pieces are missing. Where or from what sources could I obtain a close

match in bone to replicate the missing parts?

Any ideas?

 

Thanks!!!

Eric Adams

Portland, Oregon 

[mtaylor]

For elk, possibly try the local custom butcher shop who does game for the hunters.  

[JerseyCity Frankie]

I had this problem but the pieces I had to replicate were only a 1/4". I found some bone decorative carvings at a jewelry supply house in New York City, they were intended for earrings or necklaces but they were perfect for me since they were clean and seasoned and I was able to cut what I needed out of them.

[captainbob]

I just Googled, "how to prepare bone for carving"  and there was quite a bit.  There is also a lot under, "where to get bone for carving".

 

Bob

[pompey2]

I'd give my right leg to find a good source.

[druxey]

I'd say your right leg would be a good source, Pompey, if you are desperate!

[dafi]

Have a talk with Tarjack, he is a specialist :-)

 

http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/1749-hmy-royal-caroline-1749-by-tarjack-made-from-bone-m-1-50/?hl=%2Bcaroline+%2Btarjack

 

XXXDAn

[overdale]

I am assuming from either Walrus,

Whale, or Elk bone, a few pieces are missing. Where or from what sources could I obtain a close match in bone to replicate the missing parts?"

 

 

Try and steer clear of real walrus or whalebone, they are seriously restricted 'ivory' materials in the US and possession of illegal ivory carries federal penalties.

 

I knew a scrimshaw carver on Cape Cod that went to jail for five years because he bought illegal whale ivory.

[dgbot]

When Modeler Bruce Hoof made his bone model he used the femurs from steers.  After boiling and prepping them the model ;looked great.

Dvid B

[6ohiocav]

Eric,

 

Here is a link to a Naval Ship modeling museum here in Canton Ohio. Larry Pulka is the ship builder and curator.  He builds scratch model masterpieces in bone.  He secures his material from local butcher shops. I am sure if you contacted him, he may be of some help to you.

 

By the way, if anyone is in the area, this is worth the trip.  His work is spectacular.

 

http://www.modelshipsbylarrypulka.com/index.html

[Bob Cleek]

Try going to your local pet store.  They all sell bovine large bones in a variety of sizes.  You can get "knuckles" or long bones, thoroughly sterilized and shrink wrapped.  They usually vary a bit in size.  You can pick your favorite shapes as needed and they are inexpensive.  They come in "regular" and "smoked."  The smoked are brown colored.  Get the plain regular white ones. (Your dog will love the smoked ones, but you don't want Rover chewing up your model!) Similarly avoid those that may have peanut butter or other tasty stuff stuffed inside of them.