Our local hall have been trying to figure out the best way to dispose of an old piano which is no longer in use because it has nothing going for it when it comes to playing it.
It was decided we try to sell the keys separately to make some money for the hall but no one knew whether this was legal or can be done at all. Can anyone let me know?

I can't imagine why not, but I also can't imagine why any one would want them, unless it was from Elton John, Liberachi (sp) Lennon... etc. piano.:)

Hi! Eve Bencraw, and welcome to AMHD :)

Yes it is legal... But,
You and your group will have to do some legwork, to ensure its legality.

The very first thing you must do is determine what kind of Ivory is it? And have it documented.

It has to be antique, (i.e. not less than 100years) Ivory, from the sound of your post that should be covered, but again it has to be documented.

This link covers African Elephant Ivory; U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service African Elephant Ivory

You will also have to determine if your State allows its sale. Once the Federal Government established The Endangered Species Act of 1973 it was mandated that the States follow the Federal lead.

Don't even think 'bout eBay or craigslist if you don't follow these guidelines.

My suggestion...
Your group should still do some investigation to determine the value of the Ivory Keys, but employ at least two bonded/certified Antiques Dealers to sell the whole piano, let the "seller" have his commission, with you keeping in mind the "key" price.

k

If you haven't sold the keys to the piano please contact me at [email protected].

I found an antique piano at the dump. It was intact. Later some buffoons came and bashed it to bits to take the metal from the interior but they left the ivory and ebony keys. We picked them up thinking that they were just too valuable to leave lying in the dump.
We looked up how to tell ivory from other material. The piano was a very old one with veneer on it. The key ivory is in 2 pieces and has a grain like wood. We removed one key and underneath it had the most beautiful texture. It certainly is ivory. If we were to be interested in selling the piano keys which we salvaged, wood and all. Each key numbered with lead weights, does anyone know the legal way to do so?

We have an old piano with ivory keys and want to sell the piano. It's from 1936, still in very good shape. We inherited from gradparents. But now the kids don't want to play piano. Sitting there taking up space. Need to sell it.

We have an old piano with ivory keys and want to sell the piano. It's from 1936, still in very good shape. We inherited from gradparents. But now the kids don't want to play piano. Sitting there taking up space. Need to sell it.
Contact me at [email protected]

I think you can. Please let me know how much you would like for them at [email protected]. Thank you--Saranyu

Hello all. I am interested in selling the keys to my Schubert Upright Grand Piano. From doing research I am fairly sure it was manufactured in the 1890's. If anyone is interested, please email me at [email protected] Thanks!! :) :) :)

I have a craved owl,that was a neck lace,that my father sent home from Africa ,during WW2.How can I sell it

I just came across an ivory piece that has been sculpted with many elephants on it I know it is antique but am unaware if this is legal to sell. I am in Canada anyone who has any information to provide me with please email me at [email protected].

Cheers

I have ivory piano keys for sale 612-245-2374

I have a 1939 baldwin piano not perfect but not beat up either would like to sale it but don't know what to ask any advice? Contact me @ [email protected]

I have for sale all keys for starr piano company. Copyright 1901. 3 keys have some chips. All still intact. I have not separated them, taken out in one big piece. Where and how much can I sale these.

What can I do