North American Auction Company
Live Auction

Timeless Treasures: 19th C. Native, Western Photographs & French Elegance

Sat, Sep 13, 2025 11:00AM EDT
  2025-09-13 11:00:00 2025-09-13 11:00:00 America/New_York North American Auction Company North American Auction Company : Timeless Treasures: 19th C. Native, Western Photographs & French Elegance https://live.naabid.com/auctions/north-american-auction/timeless-treasures-19th-c-native-western-photographs-french-elegance-20467
Join us Saturday, September 13th at 9am MT in Bozeman, MT for Timeless Treasures: 19th C. Native, Western Photographs & French Elegance. This exceptional auction features a remarkable collection of 19th-century Native American artifacts, rare Western photography by Haynes, Huffman, and other Montana photographers, and an impressive selection of 18th-century French furniture. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to acquire historic and elegant treasures. Browse the full catalog at live.naabid.com
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Lot 551

Fred Harvey Era Sterling Silver Thunderbird Ring

Estimate: $200 - $400
Starting Bid
$100

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
Featured in this lot is this Vintage Fred Harvey Era Sterling Silver Thunderbird Ring, circa 1930s - 1940s. Fred Harvey-era jewelry refers to a distinctive style of Southwestern Native American adornment that emerged in the early 20th century. Produced during a time when railway tourism was booming, these pieces were designed to appeal to curious travelers exploring the American Southwest. Lightweight, stamped with evocative symbols, and often incorporating turquoise, they were the perfect souvenir—small enough to carry, rich with romantic symbolism. In contrast to traditional Navajo or Pueblo jewelry of the 19th century, which was heavy and ceremonial, these pieces were lighter, more delicate, and more symbolic in design. The most recognizable motifs include thunderbirds, arrows, lightning bolts, whirling logs, sunbursts, and four-directional crosses. These symbols were selected for their appeal to tourists, meanings which were invented for the gullible consumers. Today, collectors and enthusiasts value this jewelry for its charm, historical importance, and its role in shaping the public’s perception of Native American artistry. Though originally crafted for a commercial market, Fred Harvey-era jewelry now holds a place in museum collections, vintage fashion, and serious jewelry archives alike. This split shank adjustable sterling silver ring has a centre prominent stamped thunderbird with crossing arrows on it's chest, stamped arrows and geometric designs on the sides of the shank as well. The ring is in nicely preserved condition with rich patina exhibited throughout. Size 6, weight is 2.5gms.

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