Posted this on the Bowyer's Bench but perhaps it will get some input here?  It involves helping identify a bow tip material.. 
(mods please delete if it should stay on Bowyer's Bench)
 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=125&t=010389#000000
			
			
			
				linen micarta...explaining the layers of linen showing
			
			
			
				There would be no "grain" pattern to buffalo horn...nice tips anyway...just not anywhere near as expensive...one day I will own a 1959 Kodiak with the three tone micarta tips and overlays
DDave
			
			
			
				 (http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/lefty4/Scorpion%20Tipx/P1010139.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/lefty4/media/Scorpion%20Tipx/P1010139.jpg.html) 
  (http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/lefty4/Scorpion%20Tipx/P1010138.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/lefty4/media/Scorpion%20Tipx/P1010138.jpg.html) 
Chuck,
These are pics of my M R Hamilton Scorpion bow built in 1991. He advertised that his standard tips were water buffalo. I have no reason to doubt M R. They are NOT micarta, or at least not like any micarta on other tips that I have seen.
I hope that helps.
Doug
			
			
			
				Thanks!  We have a winner!  That pic says a lot.