antler care?

[OconeeDan]

I have an heirloom cutlery set from the 1800's from England, that has antler handles.  Not hunting related but I didn't know where else to ask.  But, there are old hunting knives that have antler handles so maybe this can be of use here.
One handle has a slight crack but it is not bad at all.  Is there something to apply to the antler to preserve it, such as an oil or wax?
Thanks, Dan

[Ray Hammond]

My parents have been antique wholesalers/retailers for 35 years...they follow these instructions on old pieces prior to selling them, if they are exhibiting any tendency to crack.

Another technique for oiling ivory is to put the ivory in a double boiler pan (water in bottom pan) with enough mineral oil to cover the ivory slices and gradually increase the temperature of the ivory to the point where the ivory sends up tiny bubbles of air/moisture. Leave the pan on the stove for about eight hours, and raise the temperature if the bubbling stops, but the oil should not be boiling. After the eight hours turn off the heat and allow to cool, wipe off the oil and store until you are ready to use; the moisture in the ivory has been replaced with oil, you will not be able to see a difference. We do not recommend these oil soaking treatments for fossil ivory, as it can get an oil soaked look.

When storing ivory in any form, raw, sliced or finished, the best policy is to keep it in an area that has a high humidity. A basement is better than an attic, a cabinet with a cup of water is better than an open book shelf. Common sense care of your ivory will help it grow more beautiful as the years go by.

[TxMoon]

Neatsfoot oil it the what my Grandpa all way used and it will make a old set of rattling horns sound crisp and clean clear! Just soak it till it does not take any more easy!

[d. ward]

Dan in some cases it may be best to leave it as is or if you really want to preserve it.I would go to the drug store and buy a syringe.Then put a bit of super glue into the syringe.Then under some really good light.I would try and be as careful as possible and drop just one or two drops of super glue into the crack.If you do not stop the crack from spreading.No matter what oils or waxes you use it will continue to crack with age.The oils and waxs will slow down the ageing,but not stop the crack from spreading like the super glue will.One of the best things to clean shine and protect anlters and horns...is mop and clean or mop and shine or mop and glow....99% of then contain oil soap and once the crack is fixed(your decidition)the mop and whatever will add the oil you need as well as clean and shine the matirals.bd

[OconeeDan]

Thanks for your replies.
Dan