~~~ is not always there (depending where on the tusk the chip was cut from) and that is why I stressed the study for "cross-hatching" which defines elephant tusk ivory in the whole chip.

One interesting note about the nerve hole on Ivory chips (which are not alwaays dead-center, either) is it can lead to damage with fractures stemming from the hole and actually turning into cracks which eventually break the chip apart -- as is the case with what an auto windshield with a minor chip.

So, one day I found a bunch of Ivory chips with a common floral and well-worn red rims which were quite strange-looking and something I have never noticed before (I was new to Ivory at the time... and still learning) -- they had 1/4 inch round plugs embedded in the center, mostly, while some were off-center and almost approaching the edge of the chip. Looked quite strange enougn to not call Ken Chopping who told me they were probably the early San Francisco saloon chips that were made with plugs or either repaired with plugs and I then called Kenny Craig who not only confirmed the plugging process but, explained that the process isn't unomm with ivory pool balls since they are constantly being banged around as were chips on wooded saloon tables. Needless to say the find was a big hit with those who study the Old American West and Kenny was very instrumental in seeing that they knew about the find. The chips could have been from anywhere but, seeing so many of them with plugs suggested it was a pre-planned measure. So here were all these well-worn chips with perfect undamaged centers telling their story (to those who could read a chip)... and the rearon for the "fuss" and not to cause "head-scratching" eitner...

A lot of well-aeasoned chippers took the time to explain to me what was what in this hobby a long time ago...