The lot features an increasingly rare set of fully top beaded hide moccasins from the Cree Native American Indian people and dating to circa 1890. The moccasins show an Indian tanned hide construction with red trade clothe cotton edging and period correct early glass trade seed beads being sinew sewn and trade thread sewn. The set shows a chalk white background with greasy yellow and cobalt blue arrow symbol flanked by two crosses on either side. The entire outer edge shows a three tiered pattern with the sides having a larger five tiered pattern and railroad or three bar cross symbol (the other designs are in greasy yellow, red white-heart, cobalt). The moccasins show a large men's warrior size with parfleche rawhide soles that show the correct wear for these early moccasins. Provenance: From the renowned collection of Gustav Singel (1837-1923), also called Gus Singel, who was a railroad worker in Montana. Gus Singel assemled a wonderful collection of Native American antiques between circa 1880-1900. He moved from Montana to New York and his collection has been passed down through the family. This provenance and set were confirmed and authenticated by the experts at Cowan's Auction Inc. The moccasins measure 10 inches in length. Cree beadwork and moccasins are exceedingly rare with such examples rarely being brought to sale; some examples sold include the Metis Cree Moccasins that sold for $6,500 at Skinner's 2011 sale, the Cree Outfit sold by North American Auction Co. for $4,500 in our June 2018 sale, and the Cree Moccasins that sold for $2,600 at Cowan's 2017 sale. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.