North American Auction Company
Live Auction

Montana Premier March 4th Collector Auction

Sat, Mar 4, 2023 11:00AM EST
Lot 461

C. 1890- Andrew Wald Yellowstone Park Sand Art

Estimate: $200 - $400

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
Offered in this lot is an Andrew Wald Sand Art glass paper weight circa 1890s to early 1920s. 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 Andrew Wald (1853-1933), "the Sand Man of Yellowstone", 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, sold his bottles of sand to many of the royal families of Europe when they visited the park, besides the thousands of people of lesser rank and distinction the world over. Piece is in very fine condition, no damages noted, measures 6"H x 2" base diameter.