estateRUTH.

Identification

Carved Walrus Ivory Billiken Brooch

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

Identified as a brooch featuring a carved Billiken figure mounted on an oval plaque. The distinct mottled secondary dentine core visible on the plaque is characteristic of walrus ivory.

Story

The Billiken motif, patented in 1908 by Florence Pretz, was quickly adopted by Alaskan Native carvers as a popular souvenir item for tourists and servicemen. This piece is a classic example of early to mid-20th-century Alaskan souvenir craft, carved from walrus ivory. While the seller describes the hardware as a safety pin clasp, the construction is more accurately identified as a simple riveted pin clasp typical of the era's regional jewelry. Pieces from this period are frequently unsigned.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

Based on the provided description and identification, the ivory displays characteristic secondary dentine mottling and retains its original ink-highlighted details. The metal hardware consists of a simple riveted pin clasp, which must be checked for functionality and secure attachment to the ivory plaque.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for early to mid-20th-century Alaskan souvenir ivory is niche but stable, primarily driven by collectors of folk art and regional Americana. Demand is heavily dependent on the quality of the carving, the presence of original ink highlighting, and clear age indicators to comply with ivory trade restrictions. Standard unsigned souvenir pieces move steadily at lower price points, while exceptional or artist-signed examples command premiums.

Value Drivers

▲ Identifiable walrus ivory construction with characteristic secondary dentine core confirms authenticity of the material.

▲ Classic Billiken motif with intact ink-highlighted details appeals to regional folk art collectors.

▲ Simple riveted pin clasp construction aligns with early to mid-20th-century Alaskan souvenir production.

Concerns

▼ Missing exact dimensions and weight — a smaller-than-average piece would anchor the value to the lower end of the range.

▼ Unverified clasp functionality — a loose or repaired riveted pin clasp would require discounting.

▼ Platform restrictions on ivory sales may limit the available buyer pool and depress final realization.

Best Venue

List the brooch on a specialized online auction platform or a marketplace catering to vintage Americana and folk art. Ensure that the listing clearly states the material is pre-ban walrus ivory to comply with platform policies and federal regulations regarding ivory sales. Providing exact dimensions and macro photos of the simple riveted pin clasp will help reassure buyers of its vintage age.

Upside Potential

If close inspection reveals a hidden signature or maker's mark from a recognized mid-century Alaskan carver, the piece could exceed the high estimate and appeal to specialist collectors.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 12 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • 1stDibs
    Group of Three Inuit Carved Billiken Figurines
    Group of three figurines, not a single brooch.
    $950
  • Bonhams· 2010-09-13
    A grouping of Eskimo marine ivory figures and curios
    Grouping of multiple figures and curios, not a single brooch.
    $458
  • R. G. Munn Auction LLC· 2026-03-02
    INUIT BILLIKEN
    Excerpt describes pottery items, not an ivory billiken.
    $230
  • Cisco's Gallery
    Inuit Walrus Ivory Billiken
    Excerpt describes carved utensils (spoon and knife), not a billiken brooch.
    $200
  • OpalRoseVintageShop
    Antique Carved Bone Billiken Charm, Rare Inuit Lucky Charm Pendant
    Made of bone instead of ivory, and is a charm/pendant rather than a brooch.
    $199
  • AK Native Art Auction
    Ivory Billiken
    Page excerpt indicates no results were found for the item.
    $175
  • AK Native Art Auction
    Ivory Billiken
    Page excerpt indicates no results were found for the item.
    $105
  • R. G. Munn Auction LLC· 2023-05-09
    ESKIMO INDIAN IVORY PLAQUE
    Excerpt describes a stone billiken and a bone walrus, not an ivory brooch.
    $45
  • Manor Auctions· 2013-07-27
    MIXED LOT (9) BILLIKEN MOTIF MOSTLY IVORY JEWELRY
    Mixed lot of 9 items, whereas the subject is a single piece.
    $30
  • R. G. Munn Auction LLC· 2023-05-09
    ESKIMO INDIAN BILLIKEN
    Excerpt describes a hand-carved stone billiken, not walrus ivory.
    $25
  • Pontchartrain Estate Sales & Services· 2024-01-30
    Antique Paye & Baker Sterling Silver Billiken Brooch
    Made of sterling silver, not walrus ivory.
    $15
  • Davis Brothers Auction
    Alaskan Eskimo Inuit Carved Billiken Brooch
    Sale on record but hammer price not published.
    No price