July Gallery Auction
Lot 29076:
Description
An antique Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) souvenir sewing kit, also known as a hussif or housewife, featuring a date of 1907. The exterior is made of ochre-colored velvet ground decorated with raised glass beadwork. The central panel displays a bird motif rendered in white, amber, and translucent seed beads with a single blue bead for the eye. Above the bird, the date 1907 is beaded in white alongside scrolling and foliate patterns accented with small metallic sequins. The edges of the kit are finished with a clear glass seed bead zipper fringe. Attached to the lower section are two beaded tassels; one features dark blue and light blue faceted tubular beads, while the other features white and dark gray faceted tubular beads. The tri-fold design opens to reveal a yellow fabric lining with two end pockets and a central padded pincushion.
Length: 7.5 inches (unfolded)
Width: 3.5 inches. Pickup is Friday, July 31, from Noon to 7 pm at our facility in Lancaster, OH. Alternate pickup day is available by appointment for a $5 fee per lot or we will provide in-house shipping for this item. If shipping – once packed up we will send you a separate invoice for shipping & handling. Shipping questions: [email protected]. Sales tax collected on this auction. Our warehouse is in Lancaster, OH. If not shipping – pickup in 10 days or we will dispose and you will not receive a refund. AB99
Condition report:
The velvet ground exhibits significant surface wear, thinning of the nap, and overall darkening/soiling consistent with age and handling. The main beaded motifs remain largely intact, though there are loose threads and visible bead loss on the dangling tassels. The interior fabric lining and pincushion show noticeable staining, spotting, and general wear.
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