Walrus fossil
Walrus tusks, upper and lower jaws weighing 35 pounds Tagged by USFWS
15”x14”x8” upper jaw 11”x8”x5” lower jaw Tusks are 30”x8” in diameter weight 12 pounds Total weight 35 pounds
Other
Yes
Hello, this item is a partial walrus skull with both tusks and a detached lower jaw, identified as Odobenus rosmarus. The tusks measure approximately 30 inches in length and show natural curvature, surface weathering, and age-related patina consistent with older harvested material rather than recent ivory. The cranial portion displays typical walrus morphology, including enlarged maxillary alveoli and dense bone structure. The USFWS-WLRS tags indicate registration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Walrus Marking, Tagging and Reporting System, which is used for legally documented walrus ivory within regulatory frameworks. Based on visual assessment, this appears to be a legally tagged specimen, likely 20th century, not a prehistoric fossil in the paleontological sense but rather preserved skeletal remains.
From a market perspective, walrus skulls with full-length tusks of this size are increasingly restricted in trade due to federal and state regulations. Value depends heavily on legality of transfer, state location, and whether intrastate sale is permitted. In compliant U.S. jurisdictions where sale of legally tagged pre-ban or Alaska Native-harvested walrus material is allowed, comparable specimens typically realize between $3,000 and $7,000 USD.
Dear Dinah,
Thank you for the additional information, it is very helpful. Since you are Aleut and the walrus was reportedly found deceased in Alaska, this changes the legal context. The USFWS tag confirms the item was registered in the Walrus Marking, Tagging and Reporting System, which supports lawful possession. However, the tag does not automatically mean anyone can freely buy or sell it. Transfer and sale rules still depend on federal law, and state law.
Regarding market value, your added context supports that this is a modern legally documented specimen rather than archaeological material. This doesn’t change the fair market price and my appraisal remains the same.
Thank you for your help
Thank you so much for your expertise and explanation. I have 1 more question;
When I sell this item do I have to be careful who I sell it to? Or is that an individual responsibility?
Dear Dinah,
Yes, you do need to be careful about who you sell it to. Responsibility is shared by both seller and buyer in the US. Even if you legally possess the specimen and it is properly tagged, you must still ensure the transfer itself complies with federal rules and the laws of the buyer’s state or regional law of the buyer.
I am not a law expert but in case you find an interested buyer, I strongly recommend to check with the lawyer and relevant authorities before proceeding with the sale, shipping, etc.
Thank you
Ok thank you for the advice. I will
I’m sorry I failed to mention a couple details. This walrus was found deceased by natural causes, last summer, on a beach here in Alaska by an Alaska native. I am Aleut; and was told the tags meant that anyone can own the ivory.