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Sterling Silver Native American Indian Motif "Note Holder" American, Circa 1880

Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
Very rare and unusual piece, a sterling silver "note holder" fronted by an Indian Chief on the front in high relief. A bale on top provides for a necklace and hanging as a decorative piece of jewelry. Other decoration on the front includes a tomahawk and a peace pipe criss-crossed beneath the Indian. The back is plain with a decorative "repousse" floral border, and "sterling" clearly marked in the lower left (see image). It is 2 7/8" high x 2" wide resembling and in the style of a match safe; probably manufactured by Unger Bros. of Newark, New Jersey, circa 1880, but difficult to observe all of the surfaces because of the frontal "notes" in permanent place. A note holder would have been used to write down reminders and/or notations by the user; the surfaces appear to be a celluloid type material. Condition is excellent with six notes intact; a very slight "crease" to the back side; hardly noticeable (see image).

Appropriate Americana for the discerning collector with a Western Native American theme.

Provenance: From my personal collection of Western items.

More Information

Origin:	United States
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Sterling Silver, Repoussé.
Condition:	Good. Wear consistent with age and use.
Creation Date:	1880
Metals:	Silver
Styles / Movements:	Other
Incollect Reference #:	578274

Message from Seller:

We are specialists in the field of antique mechanical coin banks. These rare and unique items were sold during the late 1800's and early 1900's to encourage and educate young children on the importance of saving money, with the majority of them having been made in America. We are leading experts in this field and one of the foremost dealers, having traded in mechanical banks since 1976.