Lot 238A
North America, Canada, ca. early 19th century CE. A fascinating and rare artifact, a hand-worked silver three-barred cross made by the silversmith Charles Arnaldi (1779 to 1817 CE) for the North West Company. The surface of the cross is stamped with hallmarks - "CA" for Arnaldi, "NW" and "NWC," the hallmarks of the Company, and, at the bottom, its place of manufacture, "MONTREAL." Tiny flourishes form a border, and there is an inlaid piece of bright green glass in the center. A strand of fifty-five pale green trade beads, faceted and hexagonal, above six small copper seed beads, completes the item and matches the color of the glass inlay on the cross. Size: 25.25" L (of chain); 3.05" W x 6.5" H (of cross) (64.1 cm; 7.7 cm x 16.5 cm)
Trade silver and trade beads were used by Europeans to form economic relationships with Indigenous people in North America during the period of the fur trade. They were excellent currency because they were easy to carry long distances. Competition between trading companies was fierce, especially during the early 19th century; then the Hudson's Bay Company competed with the North West Company, who had built a series of forts from the St. Lawrence River to the Rocky Mountains. The North West Company also innovated by beginning to trade silver items, forcing the Hudson's Bay Company to do the same. This is a fantastic item for anyone interested in First Nations history, frontier history, or Canadian history!
Provenance: private R. D. collection, Long Beach, California, USA collection, acquired over twenty five years from various major galleries
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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#124302
- Condition: Glass beads have light scratching on the surface from age. Light patina on silver surface from age and handling; dark patina on copper beads.
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