You know, I'm aware of the history that nickel-plating and stainless steel have as a functional enhancement to a firearm, not just as an aesthetic one. I wonder if there's a similar history behind ivory stocks, or if it's just appearance.

(I personally like the aesthetics of an ivory-stocked pistol. It wasn't something that I'd seriously considered until I watched the video that Ken Hackathorn did about the Wilson Combat Hackathorn Special, and then I tried it. And I like it. Not enough to buy a set of real ivory grips, though, G10s are close enough for me. Although I have been giving thought to getting a set of polished ivory-colored micarta stocks from VZ or a set of those Wood Caliber holly grips with WC medallions.)