For your consideration are two cobalt blue Russian trade glass bead strands, circa 1800s. These beautiful blue pieces show a faceted, tubular glass trade bead originally traded by the Russians to the Alaska Natives in exchange for Sea Otter pelts or anything else they might want. The beads were a desirable form of currency. These two necklaces are strung on separate strands tied together at the knot. The larger strand shows a smaller diameter bead towards the top, and 19 beads overall. The smaller strand displays 31 blue cobalt glass beads, and both necklaces have a twine grass strand. Overall these beads show in good condition with a few showing sign of wear, including small chips, due to age. The larger beads measure 1.25" to 1.75" in length and the smaller beads .75". The necklaces are approximately 12.5" and 15.5" in strung length.