Whale Bones
What a weird auction item. Someone in South Australia is selling some old whale bones.
Please note that the vendor has made extensive enquiries with legal and environmental experts at the federal Department of the Environment and Heritage in Canberra, the SA government Department of Environment and Heritage in Adelaide, the SA government Department of Fisheries in Adelaide and the SA Museum, the curator of which has actually examined these bones located in Victor Harbor, a former whaling centre.
As a result of these enquiries, and due to the age of these bones (the land on which these bones lay was purchased by the vendor's family in about 1950 and it is likely the bones were many decades old even by that time - hence the bones are at least 55 years old), permission from each of the above relevant authorities has been given to sell these bones WITHIN AUSTRALIA ONLY (ie cannot be exported outside of Australia). The main basis of this permission is the age of the bones, which predate the relevant legislation that guide the activities of these above bodies. Supporting documentation can be provided if requested. So, subject to this one above condition, it is legal to sell and to purchase and own these bones within Australia according to the relevant legislation.
Note that interested parties from Australian states and territories outside of South Australia are still required to check with their local state or territory government relevant authority and associated legislation whether it is legal to purchase and own such an item. If so, an export (from SA) and or an import (to your own state/territory) licence may be required to move it out of South Australia. Such a non-South Australian bidder has the responsibility to make their own necessary enquiries re this and obtain the relevant permits. The cost for same is usually free of charge. South Australian bidders do not need such a permit.
DETAILS OF THE BONES (also see pics)
Type of whale - Southern Right Whale
Type and number of bones - 6 Mandibles (lower jaws) - ie these bones come from 6 whales and 9 ribs (from one or more whales)
Condition - moss is growing on it, and the surface is a little crumbly, but they still hold up some vines
Size - The top of the bones are about 2 metres high (a bit taller than a person)
Please note that the vendor has made extensive enquiries with legal and environmental experts at the federal Department of the Environment and Heritage in Canberra, the SA government Department of Environment and Heritage in Adelaide, the SA government Department of Fisheries in Adelaide and the SA Museum, the curator of which has actually examined these bones located in Victor Harbor, a former whaling centre.
As a result of these enquiries, and due to the age of these bones (the land on which these bones lay was purchased by the vendor's family in about 1950 and it is likely the bones were many decades old even by that time - hence the bones are at least 55 years old), permission from each of the above relevant authorities has been given to sell these bones WITHIN AUSTRALIA ONLY (ie cannot be exported outside of Australia). The main basis of this permission is the age of the bones, which predate the relevant legislation that guide the activities of these above bodies. Supporting documentation can be provided if requested. So, subject to this one above condition, it is legal to sell and to purchase and own these bones within Australia according to the relevant legislation.
Note that interested parties from Australian states and territories outside of South Australia are still required to check with their local state or territory government relevant authority and associated legislation whether it is legal to purchase and own such an item. If so, an export (from SA) and or an import (to your own state/territory) licence may be required to move it out of South Australia. Such a non-South Australian bidder has the responsibility to make their own necessary enquiries re this and obtain the relevant permits. The cost for same is usually free of charge. South Australian bidders do not need such a permit.
DETAILS OF THE BONES (also see pics)
Type of whale - Southern Right Whale
Type and number of bones - 6 Mandibles (lower jaws) - ie these bones come from 6 whales and 9 ribs (from one or more whales)
Condition - moss is growing on it, and the surface is a little crumbly, but they still hold up some vines
Size - The top of the bones are about 2 metres high (a bit taller than a person)
