9. Mildly Erotic Ivory Ball Cane -Ca. 1890-Hinged ivory ball knob micro carved with two mildly erotic scenes and inscribed to the left “REUNION DE COMÉDIENS DANS UN PARC” and to the right “LA BAIGNEUSE” which translates “Comedians reunion in a park and The bathing woman”. Metal collar engraved “H. TH. VERKERK.” And a quirky grown oak shaft which brings to mind females intimate parts. Most likely French.-H. 2 ¼” x 1 ¾”, O.L. 35”-$1,500-$2,000Kimball M Sterling, Inc Appraisers- 125 West Market, Johnson City, Tn 37604The ivory Loxodonta Africana in this cane complies with pre-cites and the Endangered Species Act 1973 which are currently the law in the United States. It is our opinion that this cane was made before 1973 and the ivory has not been repaired or altered. Each lot in this auction is in our opinion legal to sell in the USA except in states that have restrictions. Please check your state law.Species Authority:(Blumenbach, 1797)Common Name(s):English–African ElephantFrench–Éléphant d'Afrique, Éléphant AfricainSpanish–Elefante AfricanoKingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyANIMALIACHORDATAMAMMALIAPROBOSCIDEAELEPHANTIDAENo new law is in effect for ivory that complies with the ESA. I have attended and also spoken before the Presidents Committee in Washington D. C. on this subject and I am in weekly contact with Fish and Game. The law for Pre-Cites pieces has not changed as per May 2015. It is involved in government red tape and when it comes out of the finance office it will be published in the Federal Register for 30-60 days for public comment. In the government a new law cannot take effect until an old law is revoked and the old law of 1973 has not been revoked. When and if the old law is revoked it is our opinion that antique ivory canes will still be eligible to be sold in the market place.