Offered in this lot is an Andrew Wald sand art paper weight circa 1890s to early 1920s, "Pioneer Sand Artist of Yellowstone". The piece shows the traditional bullet shape found in Yellowstone gift shops at the turn of the century. The glass is filled with multi colored sand set in swirling patterns similar to rolling hills or mountains. all natural sands, marble pattern, plaster plug. These are very rare and hard to come by.
It was reported by Frank Haynes, the Yellowstone Photographer, that Wald originated his idea of making the sand art in 1888. He would collect the coloured sand from locations in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone as well as from what is now known as the Norris Geyser Basin. He received permission from various acting superintendents over the years to collect his sand but was cautioned ”…not to disturb or mar the natural formations or other objects of interest...” while he was collecting his sand.
Original paper tag is missing, glass has impact crack near the top otherwise no damages noted, measures 4.75"H x 2" base diameter.