Axis Antler - pricing

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TXPhi67

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Not sure where exactly this question fits in the forum, but figured this was the safest spot.

What would you think is a fair price for Axis Antler blanks? Pre-cut, at least 5 1/2 inches long (6 on avg) and large enough for the largest kit.

Thanks in advance for any and all feedback.

Take care,
 
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Brian, if you have that kind of access to Axis Antler, I don't think I like you very much.[}:)];) As for fair price I'm not really sure, but I've seen whole racks go for as little as $20 and as high as $50. Let your conscience be your guide and see what kind of bites you get.;)

Oh, and to answer Ruths question, Axis antler is one of the most sought after by pen turners. The marrow tends to be smaller than other species, and it is also usually much whiter.
 
Brian I can't tell by your post, but are you selling some Axis antler or are you planning on buying some in that size and want to know what you should pay for it? If you have some available, I would definately be interested in some.
 
Brian, if the quality is high (consistent color and relatively straight, along with the small marrow hole well centered)I'd think pricing at or near the same level as tru-stone. $7.50 for pieces sized to do most pens, $9.50 for the oversized needed for items like the emperor, lotus, full sized gent, etc. Obviously, if these are sheds that have sat outside and weathered,with the normal corresponding deterioration, that would be a different story.
 
Thank you very much for the feedback, its been very useful. To answer some of the questions -

Ruth, Axis is an exotic deer originally from India. Their pelts have the pattern and coloration similar to a whitetail fawn in that they have white spots on them. In addition, they tend to be larger than whitetail (on the order of 1.5 times for equivalent age/sex). As to their antlers, they tend to have much larger circumference and over all length than whitetail. Also, the bark tends to be thinner and the "marrow" tends to be much smaller. The result is that turners have much more "antler heart" to take advantage of and its is much whiter than whitetail. In fact, I think that it polishes up close to what you could expect from ivory. On top of that, it drills/turns easier and doesn't have anywhere near the stench whitetail does(at least to me).

Billy - the prices you listed are what I was seeing for racks on eBay as well. I'm thinking of taking it one level further and "milling" the antler in prep for pen making.

Joe - I'm considering selling it. In addition, the reason that I'm coming to this forum is that I don't want to sell these on eBay as the market for these is pretty specific and I would rather not get lost in the "shuffle". In addition, there have been a couple threads lately that were not very positive about purchasing pen stuff from eBay and one seller in particular.

Again, thanks to everyone for your comments. I will post some sample pictures later today to continue the discussion a little as I'm getting some great guidance here. Then in probably a week or so, I'll post in the individual classifieds with an initial lot to see how things go. If it goes well, I may post regular lots.

Based on feedback and some of my research, here is what I'm generally thinking about pricing. Please feel free to add additional comments or suggestions.

Fresh Antler (this is recent drops or from harvested deer)
Base cut including "cap" (this is where the antler connects to the skull) 6-8 inches and averaging 3/4-7/8 inch diameter - $10 ea
Naturally straight cut 5-6 inches averaging close to 3/4 diameter - $6 ea
Straighted cut (boiled and then straighted) 5-6 in w/ 5/8 to 3/4 diameter - $4
Tips and bits $1 a piece or included free in multi piece orders

Weathered antler - same dimensions, but 10% to 50% of fresh depending upon the quality.

Shipping would be USPS priority flat rate where possible, actual shipping where not. This of course could also be buyer's preference.

So, keep the comments coming and thanks once again.
 
Lost my contact but while in San Antonio, I found one (but lives 50 miles away NW of San Antonio) who sells axis deer antlers for $7.00 a pound. He has TONS to choose from but there is a catch, you have to buy a whole antler. No choice cuts.:D
 
Here is a picture of a sample of the blanks that I'm looking for feedback on what a fair price might be. Please feel free to share you thoughts as feedback and suggestions are more than welcome.

200821915525_P0003559-small.jpg



2008219155337_P0003558.jpg


The blanks are from 4 in to 7 in with almost 1 in diameter.

Thanks,
 
Thanks for the info. I have never heard of them before. I doubt I would have any market for them here. The deer proliferate the island and are so fearless that they don't even move when a person comes near. Sometimes you have to blow your car horn to get them to move off the road. They are loved and adored by the usual crown so no culling is allowed.
 
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