Hello, this item is a carved ivory sculpture depicting an alligator, measuring approximately 25 inches in length. The craftsmanship displays stylized but confident incisions to delineate the scales and limbs, with open jaws and teeth rendered in high relief. Based on the aesthetic and condition, as well as the family’s provenance indicating acquisition in the late 1950s to early 1960s, this piece is likely East or Southeast Asian in origin, possibly from Japan or Thailand, where ivory carving was common for export souvenirs during the mid-20th century.

Due to the strict legal restrictions surrounding ivory trade, the commercial resale of ivory is heavily regulated or outright prohibited in many jurisdictions, which significantly affects its market value. Nonetheless, for valuation purposes within a private or inherited collection context, such a piece—assuming genuine elephant ivory and in good condition—would have an insurance or fair market value in the range of $500–800.