Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2096:
Description
This select group features three distinct red catlinite (pipestone) pipe components alongside a frontier-era antler awl. The catlinite pieces, synonymous with Great Plains ceremonial traditions, showcase varying forms: a primary “T” shaped bowl with a rich, aged patina and white museum-style inventory markings (“H-31″), a secondary bowl featuring a clean break at the stem, and a third decorative fragment with hand-incised linear geometric patterns. Accompanying the stone is a 7.5” antler handle awl featuring a hand-forged iron protrusion, a quintessential tool of the 19th-century frontier. The collection remains in “as-found” condition, with the catlinite showing expected surface wear, minor abrasions, and one significant break to a bowl, while the antler remains structurally sound with a deep natural tarnish. Largest pipe L 3″, W 1.75″, Awl L 7.5″, D 1.25″. Please see photos.
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