Thread: Is this tortoise shell?

So i got a Fredrick Reynolds Barbers notch this weekend from an antique store.. it has really odd scales.. could they be tortoise shell?.. I might remove the scales and put some different ones..

Appears to be dyed horn to me. Could be wrong though.

Originally Posted by Theseus

Appears to be dyed horn to me. Could be wrong though.

yea they are real odd..

They are mottled horn. Soak them in some neatsfoot oil.

Originally Posted by Maximilian

They are mottled horn. Soak them in some neatsfoot oil.

what happens when i soak them in neatsfoot oil? im guessing I need to remove them first.

You'll nourish them and they will end up looking much better. They'll pop again (to some extend). It will also smooth out any tears or cracks you might see in the scales. You don't need to remove them. I rub them in with my fingers and let them sit overnight on a paper towel. Just a nice layer is enough at a time. No need to dunk them in the bottle all night. A Q-tip also helps applying some between the scales. I repeat the procedure a second time if needed.