Law for The State of California

A law for the state of California was passed some months ago, without anyone in the antique trade being informed. This affects all dealers, auction houses, antique malls and private individuals.

With regard to snuff bottles, this includes items made from ivory, tortoise shell, rhino horn, antelope horn, coral and even from animals that are not on the federal endangered list, such as walrus ivory.

This law does NOT exempt items over one hundred years old or items which were present in California before 1973.
If you are a dealer or auctioneer, do NOT bring any of these items into the state or they may be confiscated.
If you are a collector, you cannot trade any of these items.

See the attached pertinent Sections of the California Penal Code.