Lot 202

Comanche Strike-A-Lite Iron & Beaded Bag c. 1880

Estimate: $950 - $1,750

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 a fully beaded strike-a-lite bag / pouch with hand-forged iron striker from the Comanche Native American Indians and dating to circa 1880’s. The pouch or bag shows the original hide belt tie straps with Indian tanned hide construction being completely covered in glass trade seed cen beads of the correct period in a geometric pattern. One side of the bag shows three Buffalo or Bison / Horse hoof track symbols, and the other side shows a hourglass like geometric symbol. The bag has a greasy yellow background with designs in chalk white, red white heart, cobalt, faceted metal and light blue. The beadwork shows sinew sewing and the bag shows sinew and trade thread sewing. The bag also shows several rolled tine jingle dangle cone fringes pieces with horsetail hair having a green to yellow mineral ocher dye coloring. The set includes the original blacksmith hand-forged iron striker, a truly fine example with beautiful forge work. Indians would keep a small piece of flint or stone inside the pouch along with a small bit of starter, such as horsehair or shredded grass, and the iron striker, which could then be used to create a spark when struck together. Complete original sets are scarcely seen. The set is attributed to the Comanche Indians of Northern Texas and the set shows overall good well-preserved condition for its early age with slight bead loss and stiffening of the hide. The bag measures 16”L with top belt tie and fringe (beaded flat area is 3.75”x2.75”. The striker is 2.5”x1 1/8”.