Lot 16

19th Century Plains Tacked & Engraved Dance Club

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
The lot features an original 19th Century wood engraved and tacked dance club from the Plains Native American Indians. Provenance: Published in "Whos Who #11" by Steven Cooper and "Collectors of Historic & Prehistoric Artifacts" by Bill & Linda Ballinger. The piece exhibits a classic gunstock pattern carved solid wood stock which is adorned with original symbol engraved carvings as well as solid brass square shank trade tacks. The gripping area is wonderfully carved showing a curved smooth center with two ridges, above and below the grip, having a dark patina. The club has an incised border on both sides, with one side having ten slash marks at the top of one side, could be a reference to coup marks. One side shows a river like carving with single leaf head. The other side shows seventeen circle with line down the center carvings running down the body with symbols above showing zig-zag, spots, circle with four sections (one with spots and one without), circle with ridged design and center spot and above a stalk like design. The is accompanied by a handwritten collection letter. Provenance: From the ex-collection of Gilbert Cooper, published in Who's Who#11 and Collectors of Historic & Prehistoric Artifacts. The collector note states it as dating to circa 1850 and being chestnut wood as well as the provenance, etc. Measures overall 30.5"L and 3.25" at its widest and approx. 3/4" to 1" at its thickest.