1996, I knew it wasn't a 1995. But 1996 to 2000 or the 4th generation remains one of the least documented generations in Bulldog history, actually there is very little in any book. The first documented Mastodon Ivory (I have many but I still wonder how they can tell whether is a mammoth tusk or a Mastodon tusk
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In Parker's own documentation the earliest mention of Mastodon Ivory is on the Anglo-Saxon in 1998. So I have many questions, ever hear of the salesman samples Bulldog did in pearl with factory scrolled bolsters in 1997 and 1998? I have an entire set of 1998 of 5 knives, 1997 was 6 knives. They did document those Abalone handle knives using old blades in the 4th generation, even if the book says 5 were made my knives say 1 of 3.
I do have some magnificent knives with documentation from the fourth generation that I know to be true, yet a 1996 mastodon ivory is something you would think was documented.
I'm a sucker for mamoth or mastodon ivory also and just below are some great solutions, you know what you have.
If you desire a knife with Mammoth Ivory here is a search on ebay - Mammoth Ivory scales or Mammoth Scales.
You can get some great mammoth Ivory from this site, my favorite by the way,
http://www.alphaknifesupply.com
Go directly to mamoth ivory
http://www.alphaknifesupply.com/ivory.htm and I have paid as much as $200 for some fabulous crackle ivory scales. Great to find an old fixer and you have exactly what you want and you know what it is.
I can't say it wasnt real or that it was - there is just no documentation and you think I would have seen one on ebay in the last 8 or 9 years, since 2003 with my current username. My gut feel is that there is no documentation for such a knife and I do wonder who signed that COA. The FIRST BARK Mastodon Ivory knife and it's not documented. The knife is at $77 and change last I looked, BUT, it could go over $200 and should if it's real and collectors think it's so. 4th generation is badly documented and there are a lot of paper documentation on knives in this period. IS IT REAL? I can't say yes or know and feel honest, I was certain it was not a 1995, 1996, I have nothing to go on.
I must say I think Buzz and Ed have covered the 5th generation far better than any previous generations. But I do think that they have left some important information out of earlier generations. I can see that and would be remiss to ignore that effort.
You know, I started with knives as a hobby and now I'm so far behind it's hard to get in the shop - my hobby is driving me.
My personal view is that if I have a twinge of doubt, then I must let it go. I would not buy it because I still have questions. I go back and forth on it as a 4th generation, but that doubt will stop me. I know how poorly the 4th generation is documented so, I won't and can't say it's not the real deal, I have many knives that are not documented, but the first Mastodon Ivory I expect would be documented.
I know this is not very helpful, because, as a 1995 I was certain. As a 1996, I'm unsure. As a resale, whatever the collecting community thinks will drive the price - not whether it's real or not.
I proably should listen to Hukk and johnnie and look elsewhere. 
Thanks for steering me; in the right direction. 
I would have gone to around $250.