Lot 444

Large 6 Layer Chevron Trade Beads 1800's

Estimate: $250 - $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
For your consideration is a collection of seven large, six layered Chevron beads from early 19th century. Chevrons beads are made by a multi-part process. They start with the making of the cane, then another color glass is added, and then this is usually put into a 12 point star mold. This process is repeated for each additional layer on the bead. Chevron beads, also called "Rosetta" and "Star" beads, have been made in Venice since the late 1400's and are still in limited production today. The Venetian Chevron production with the highest volume of beads was in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Chevron beads have been traded throughout the world, but most heavily in Africa. The Dutch traders were the first to bring Chevron beads to Africa in the late 1400's. This piece shows seven large, six layered chevron beads with beautiful blue, red, and white glass layers. The piece is strung with a nylon cord. Beads of this size and condition are fantastic. The piece shows good condition overall, with some of the beads showing wear due to age. Each bead measures approximately 1 1/4” to 1 1/2" long with a circumference of up to 3 1/4".