North American Auction Company
Live Auction

New Year January Western Collector Sale

Sat, Jan 23, 2021 11:00AM EST
Lot 367

Crow Apsaalooke Beaded Signal Mirror Pouch 1800's

Estimate: $750 - $1,500

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
This is a wonderful, authentic, circa 1800's, double sided, beaded signal mirror belt pouch from the Crow Apsaalooke Native American Indians. The piece shows an Indian tanned hide construction, which is sinew sewn and adorned with beadwork on both sides, using all period correct, 19th Century glass trade seed beads. The beadwork shows a triangular storm pattern on one side and cross pattern on the other. The beadwork shows a greasy Cheyenne pink with greasy white and slightly iridescent faceted black. The outer edge of the bag shows a hand cut, thin Indian tanned hide fringe and the top of the bag shows a perforated edge with scalloped cut top, a truly artistic addition. The bag has a nice, yellow ocher mineral pigment and overall, fine, authentic, honest patina from age and use. The hide is partially pliable, with some stiff areas, little-to-no bead loss, and little-to-no apparent cracking. The piece would have held a small signal mirror used by scouts during hunts and war parties, truly a rare, original piece. The measurements of this pouch are 4" x 4".