FrenchYellowjacket CoinCoin.Com     TRADE BEADS Millefiore

WEBSITE DIRECTORY                                 ORDERING INFORMATION

PAGE INDEX: .
TRADE BEADS:
PER-BEAD & SETS
HIGH VALUE
MEDIUM VALUE
LOW VALUE
SEED & RECENT
TRADE BEADS &
     GENERAL BEADS:

AFRICAN MADE BEADS
AFRICAN SAND CAST
ORIENT, ASIA, OCEANIA
STONE & UNUSUAL      MATERIALS
MODERN BEADS
NECKLACES, BEADWORK
BOOKS ON BEADS
ETHNOGRAPHIC MONIES
ANTIQUITIES & CRAFTS

BACKGROUND
Along with shells, beads are one of the commonest of ethnographic monies. Like shells, they can be worn as purely decorative objects, so the line between money and jewlery is particularly hard to draw. I have tried to stock mostly older types, mainly made in Venice, and have avoided types which never show up in worn condition. These beads were purchased from Africa Traders from about 1988 to date. Only minimal research has been done, and you may learn more about particular types from Dubin, Liu, Francis, and other works in my references offering. Most bead types have no widely accepted names, so those given below are collector terms, African names, or my own made-up descriptive terms. Generally the older types of beads date to the late 1700's or early 1800s, while the majority of the bead export to Africa was mid 1800s to 1920s. Finding dates of manufacture or use on beads is difficult.

ABOUT THE LISTINGS BELOW . . .
Click on the thumbnail to see a full strand. You will get the strand in the scan, unless noted "sample" in the description. These are just flatbed scans, not photos, so the actual beads will look much better! Generally beads are sold in 24" strands. The ↔" column before the price shows strand length in inches. Prices in US$.

PLACING AN ORDER . . .
I charge only the true USPS postal rates, no inflated handling charges. To order (or just inquire), cut and paste the entire line for each item into an email. I will respond with an invoice within a couple of days. Or click the ORDERING INFO link for more details. In a hurry? Glad to take your phone order: 425-369-1725 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM USA Pacific.   EMAIL ME
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NEW ARRIVALS: ALL CATEGORIES      JUNE 2008
CLICK!
STOCK#
NAME
MADE IN
DESCRIPTION
↔"
US$
748 "Roman" Beads Alexandria? Rough, matte beads excavated in southern Sahara regions from ancient trade. Some are clearly wound, others may be drawn or possibly filed wound beads to eliminate gapping when strung. I am not sure whether they are faience or glass. Best guess as to origin would be Alexandria.    748a) Yellow graduated strand ranging 6x3m to 9x7.5m $100;      (748b) Yellow & mixed graduated strand ranging 4x2m to 10x7m Some smaller beads are clearly faience and there is a small,valuable Roman eye bead $165;     748c) Green strand ranging 5x3m to 9x7m, some faience $110 22-23 110.00 - 165.00
750 Silk Road Glass Bactria (Afghanistan) About 2005-06 a huge dump of broken glass dating to the 1st C. BC was discovered in Afghanistan (ancient Bactria) along the silk road trade route uniting Rome and China. The glass objects were made using known Roman techniques, and the dump was likely raw material for a bead factory. Local families excavate the fragments and cut it into rough bead shapes, preserving the unique sheen of ancient glass. Samples shown; yours will be very similar.      750a Flat buttons of mainly pale glass with round pendant $45;     750b Flat buttons of darker glass with triangular pendants $45;    750c Rectangular beads average 12x8x5m $52.50;    750d Larger fragments (largest shown 55m) most clearly showing ageing effects of ancient glass $65 18-20 45.00 - 65.00
309a Chevron, 7-layer Venice Single Bead Classic 7-layer Chevron, a.k.a. "Rosetta" bead, possibly first made by Romans, but the earliest Venetian 7-layers are dated to 1480-1580 and heralded the Renaissance of European beadmaking. An important trade bead of the era. See Quiggin color plate, #7. Today larger (length & diameter) beads are worth much more than smaller ones. This is larger than most: 27x40m and clearly shows the inner translucent green layer which is often lost to string wear. Each 195.00
2182 Fulani Cosmos Bells West Africa Round brass bells with spiral "cosmos" design and stones inside to create rattle. Often found strung with glass beads in Fulani necklaces. Most 15-20m long including loop. Old and showing some wear, but as with most African metal, cleaned. ($1 each per 10 or more bells) More than 200 crammed on a string: 27 1.00 - 125.00
536B Baby Hebron Palestine / Sudan Small versions of this early bead from Palestine, shown with two usual Hebron beads for comparison. Can supply either baby or even smaller "infant" size. Each: 25-26 29.50
747 European Hebron (Sudan) European-made versions of the ancient Hebron beads made in the middle east and popular in the Sudan. Beads about 20m wide. 26 37.50
753 "Fancy" Beads Venice Black barrels with raised, trailed yellow banding. Most 6-11m long. "Fancy" beads with raised elements are usually much more expensive. 22 35.00
760 Czech "Crystal" Bohemia Faceted glass bead in a shape typical of cut crystal. Beads 38m long. 24 69.50
761 Czech "Diamond" Bohemia Faceted glass bead in a shape typical of cut diamond. Strands available: a, b 25-26 37.50
559d Massai, wound China? Pinkish beads favored by the Massai of Kenya. Newly purchased group of larger, wound beads, rather than the usual cane-cut types. Possibly a type of Chinese Padre bead?? Special while they last, $10 each per 5+ strands. Single strand: 22 14.50
741 Aluminium Squares Ethiopia In the late 19th Cent. before a cheap extraction process was invented, aluminium was as or more valuable than silver. These look like tarnished silver and may have been worn by Ethiopians as a light-weight substitute. Africans generally ascribe healing properties to metals based on color, and examples of currency objects and bracelets of forms known normally in copper occasionally turn up in well worn aluminum. Bead size ranges 5-7mm square.    741a) "Soft" square beads, filed or worn $15;    741b) "Hard" square beads, less worn, sharper edges $15;    741s) One strand each $25    (Note: there are strays in each strand.) 30-32 15.00
649 Cassamance (Shipwreck) Senegal Milk white, rough and irregular tubular shaped beads from Venice, one local name being "Goombah". These have begun washing up on the beaches of Senegal's Casamance region along with green hearts (another crude, earlier type), evidence of a shipwreck. Beads range 4-12m length & width. Not pretty, so the Africans sell them cheaply. 649a) Goombah beads, 24" strands 8.50;   649s) Casamance beads (Goombahs from shipwreck) 32" strands ($10 each per 5 strands). Single strand: 30-32 11.50
698 Abu-Dhabi Ghana Tapered cylinders of dark glass with bright trailed stipes, imitating a c.1850s Venetian type which Dubin (#61a) calls "wound glass with polychrome decoration." Made by the Asanati peoples.    698a) Black core, 44 beads mostly 10x14mm, fairly bright $89.50;     698b) Dark green core, 39 beads mostly 10x17-18mm, worn to a matte finish $75.00 26-28 75.00 - 89.50
742 Natural Coral Mali Vivid orange sticks and chunks of coral. They look fragile but are actually fairly sturdy. Rounded ends, nothing sharp. New on market. 22 42.50
678c Green Hearts Venice Short strands, older green-hearts, probably 1700's, irregular dark red tubes over greenish cores. This lot from Africa. Bead widths 7-10m, note many cracked. Sample shown. 22 11.00
532e Brass Bicone, Ethiopia Ethiopia Fairly modern but well used. Unlike the similar Kirdi (Cameroun) these show seams indicating a laborious wrapping process rather than casting. Africa Direct offers them as trade beads, but cites no evidence. I would guess they are ornamental. Beads 8-9mm long, about 100 per long strand.    ($8 each per 5+ strands) 36+ 12.00
752 Lemon Beads Bohemia Bright lemon-yellow beads, most 7m long. Shown also a tangerine colored strand. Each: 28 11.00
745a Medicine Beads Venice Called Medicine Bead by North American Indians, though I am seeking more information. A solid white, slightly ovoid wound bead with incused dark blue dots and trailed pink lines. Beads 10-11mm, 100 on strand (3 beads $13.50; 1/4 strand = 25 beads $50) 40 175.00
746 Nueva Cadiz Spain? Venice? Long light-blue tubular bead without layers. The layered versions are known from 16th Century sites in South America, but this variety (Smith & Good, 1982, #34) is associated with 17th Century North American sites. Unusually high quality specimens almost never seen in the layered variety, about 10 x 10 x 78-82mm (b = minor chips $27.50; c = serious chips $16.50). No damage, as "a", several available, each: 45.00
501c Nueva Cadiz Spain? Venice? Strand of mixed type beads, including the three-layer South American types in dark blue and rarer green, and some North American no-layer types. Longest bead is 43m. Ask for more information, or advise if interested in single beads, as I will likely break this up. 30 375.00
213 King, classic yellow Venice Wound bicone beads from Venice, c. 1850s-1930s and highly valued in Ghana. Picard (Vol. V, pl.26, strands 7, 13) quotes a note on an actual sample card "traded for gold." Quiggin's "Aggry" bead, front plate #8 is likely a local sand-cast variant. "Classic" type is burnt yellow with cross pattern of green & multicolor stripes, but green and black beads, and variant patterns occur. Strings available: 213b) 52 beads, classic pattern, avg. grade $125;   213d) 57 beads, classic & mixed, avg. grade $110;   213e) 56 beads, classic, mixed, & smaller beads $100;   213f) 57 beads, classic pattern, top grade $165;   213g) 56 beads, classic & mixed, top grade $175 33-36 100.00 - 175.00
668b Black King Venice Classic bicone made 1850s-1930s, but scarcer black vs. usual yellow, most with eye-like pattern. Graduated strand of 89 beads ranging 10-20m width. 34 165.00
675d King, Stripe & Dot Venice Perhaps an early version of King beads, rounded egg-yellow with incused red dots and trailed green stripes. These seem always to come rough and faded. 80 beads on long strand. 34 90.00
675e King & Others Venice Mixed strand of higher value beads, including green and yellow king beads. Condition below average showing that these trade beads did some circulating. 26 55.00
252 White Heart (Cournalene) Venice Barrel form   Cournalene d'Aleppo, Hudsons Bay Trade Beads: Among the oldest of White Heart types.     Strings available: 252a) Largest size beads, 12-16m wide. 26" string of 32 beads, longest 25m. Above average condition for this type. $100;   252h) Medium sized beads 9-11m wide. 28" string of 54, largest 18m long. Exceptional grade for type. $80;    252p) Small beads, 6-7m wide. 30" string of48, mostly 15m long. Excellent condition. $70 70.00 - 100.00
251 White Heart (Cournalene) Venice Mixed types   Cournalene d'Aleppo, Hudsons Bay Trade Beads: Among the oldest of White Heart types.     Strings available: 251a) Medium size beads, generally12-16m wide, both round and barrel. 26" string, above average condition. $75;   251b) Medium size beads, generally12-16m wide, both round and barrel. 32" string, above average condition. $92.50 75.00 - 92.50
623 White Heart & Mixed Venice Mixed strand of oldest type of Cournalene d'Aleppo white hearts, plus other high-value beads.     623b) Huge 39" strand with several types of oldest white hearts in superior condition, plus King, millifiore, rattlesnake & other high value types $250 26 90.00 - 250.00
258 White Heart Venice Modern Translucent colored glass over a white core, first made in Venice and traded all over the world in a variety of shapes and sizes. Older beads are red, but these (mid?) 20th Century varieties come in additional colors. Newer types traded into Africa: A) Red, 5-6m wide, N) Orange, 6-7m wide, B) Blue, 4-5m wide, C) Translucent Blue (but dirty!), 7m wide, (3 or more your choice $10 each) Each: 20-23 12.50
502M Vaseline, mixed Bohemia Mixture of scarcer color Vaseline and similar type beads Made. ca. 1830-1900 acccording to P. Francis. 22 27.50
704 Fulani Womens Necklace West Africa Multiple strands of small cane-cut or seed beads with bundled long beads as pendant, copper wire, dyed twine. Fit easily over head. Sold out @ $59.50, new stock and a reduced price! Necklaces available: 704c  ; 704d  ; 704e  ; 704f  ; 704g  ; 704h 30-32 54.50
707 Mauritania Necklace N. Africa Modern composition using old trade beads, some newer beads, shells, spindle-worls, etc. Simple bead clasp. Scan shows both sides. Sold out @ $97.50, new stock and a price reduction.  707c 24 oz.; 707d 18 oz.; 707e 18 oz.; 707f 23 oz.; 707g 23 oz.; 707h 20 oz.; 707j 20 oz.; 92.50
SINGLE BEADS, SETS, MIXED STRANDS
Beads come from the African Traders in strands, and that is usually how they are passed on. I have searched out mixed strands, and broken up strands of more valuable types. In the categories beow this one you will find full strands of these types, and many more. The ↔" column shows strand length in inches.
CLICK!
STOCK#
NAME
MADE IN
DESCRIPTION
↔"
US$
651 Collection Europe Mixed collection of medium-value beads. A good way to build a collection of types which would be costly in full strings. Look them up in Dubin or other references. Multiple orders: I can select "different" strings, but there will be overlap. 2+ strands take 10% discount. "Specimen" strands (chosen randomly) for those who want to know exactly what they are getting: 651c ; 651e; 651f; 651g ; 651h; 651j; 651k $27.50 Each 25-26 24.50
721 Collections, high value Europe Mainly types which sell for $50-100+ in full strands, much variety within strands. 721a   ; 721b   ; 721c   ; 721d    Each: 27-28 85.00
576 Collection: Small beads Europe, etc. Mixed strand of mostly later period trade beads, more Bohemia than Venice, plus a few African sand-cast. Some types which do not turn up in full strands. Each is different, samples shown. $5 each per 3 or more. 24 6.50
536T Hebron: Colors set Medieval Palestine, traded to the Sudan. Yellow are commonest, green scarcer, and dark colors much scarcer. 536Y Yellow bead $3.50;   536S) Yellow and Green beads $6.50;   536T) Set of nine beads, including 3 sizes/shapes of Yellow, a Green, a Blue, a small cut-down bead, plus (not shown) three baby and "infant" sized beads: $22.50 3.50 - 19.00
245K Proto-bead Venice Early trade bead, possible ancestor of both King beads and Cournalene d'Aleppo. Supplier says they are quite rare. 20m wide x about 18m long, chalky yellow. Per bead: Ea. 15.00
215a King Bead Disks Venice Same porous, chalky yellow glass as classic King bead, but plain disks 12-18m wide. Traded into Ghana. Not much on market until recently. Lot of 5 beads, different sizes. Lot: 2.75
213s King set Venice Wound bicone beads from Venice, c. 1850s-1930s and highly valued in Ghana. Picard (Vol. V, pl.26, strands 7, 13) quotes a note on an actual sample card "traded for gold." Similar to Quiggin's "Aggry" bead, front plate #8. Commonest type is burnt yellow with cross pattern of multicolor stripes, but green, black,and variant patterns occur. Set of four sizes yellow, one each green & black (sample set shown): Set 15.00
675c King type, Mixed Venice Tubular beads in egg-yolk yellow as King beads, but variable patterns. A broad mixture of varieties on one strand. 59 beads, mostly 9-16mm long, as shown: 26 75.00
213L King, damage lot Venice Lot of 13 King, including green & black, plus 6 other scarce types, all eroded or chipped Lot 12.00
309a Chevron, 7-layer Venice Single Bead Classic 7-layer Chevron, a.k.a. "Rosetta" bead, possibly first made by Romans, but the earliest Venetian 7-layers are dated to 1480-1580 and heralded the Renaissance of European beadmaking. An important trade bead of the era. See Quiggin color plate, #7. Today larger (length & diameter) beads are worth much more than smaller ones. This is larger than most: 27x40m and clearly shows the inner translucent green layer which is often lost to string wear. Each 195.00
312 Chevron, 6-layer Venice Single Beads Classic 6-layer Chevron, a.k.a. "Rosetta" bead, dating to late 19th & early 20th C. This bead mfr's sample card is early 20th C. 312a) 17x30m, nice quality $30; 312d) 24x38m, excellent quality $65; 312b,c) Large damaged pieces $12.50 ea.; 312x) Smaller dmaged pieces, width 13-20m, my choice $4.50; 312L) Lot of 5, mostly under 13m $12 Each 4.50 - 65.00
316 Chevron, 4-layer Venice Set Classic 4-layer "Rosetta" bead, as with the 6-layer, dated to late 19th & early 20th C.      316s) Small beads, widths 5-7m. Lot of 5 pieces, different lengths & cuts. Sample lot shown, yours will differ $5.00; Single Beads: 317) Widths 15-20m your choice as available $3.50 each; Each 3.50 - 5.00
694 French Yellow-jacket Chevron France? Single Beads Five layer Chevron with yellow stripes on black/ white/ red/ white core. Although attribution is tentative (Peter Francis, Beads of the World p.65) this would be the highest value trade bead produced in France. Dubin (p.116 #14a & p.346) notes that M. Heide examined several million beads and rated this one "scarce" (seen 6-10 examples). a) Longest pieces, 18+m $40;   b) Under 18m $35;   c) Short $25; ;     694s) Set of four selected pieces, different lengths & thicknesses, best quality. Choose set fromSCAN $120 Per set. Ea. 25.00 - 120.00
517a Striped Chevron Venice Also called Melon, watermelon, or Molonganame (Muly Yaghalama) beads in Africa Pinched-end, 4-layer Chevron, multicolor stripes over white / red / white. Bead width 6m. 3 beads: Ea. 3.00
673 Skunk: Red Venice Single beads a.k.a. Crows ey, White heart. White "eye" spots on round red beads, with white core. A high-value bead, traded into Ethiopia. Beads 10-11m. Dubin #95 "wound compound glas wih polychrome dots." Group of 5 beads: $8.00; Single bead: Ea. 2.50
220L Donut: Set Germany Ca. 1860-97. One of the few trade beads attributable to Germany. 11-13m wide. Lot of five beads, including dark, amber & clear specimens. Lot 2.50
592 Fancy, Mixed Europe Two white with raised designs and faceted reddish stone; Three patterned turned to show chipped areas. From an old collection. See Dubin #534. Lot: 15.00
703a Rattlesnake & King Netherlands Irregular white bands on black, "wound glass with trailed decoration" per Dubin #111 Traded into Ghana. 70 Rattlesnake 10-11m wide, 2 Eye or similar, 19 smaller green King beads. 31 100.00
250S White Heart Set Venice, etc. Historical Set including early round and barrel Cournelene d'Aleppo forms (Hudsons Bay Trade Bead) from ca. 1830s?. Named for the white core beneath the (usually) red exterior. One of the most widely traded beads, into the Orient, Africa, and Americas. Includes several examples each of later cane-cut, rounded, and seed versions in traditional red and other colors, and modern regular, and seed versions. Types and quantities of beads as shown in scan. The "missing link" shown is not included, but I will offer lots of 3 beads when I can find them. Related types offered separately are the "Proto-bead," (white heart cores), Flower white hearts, and red Skunk beads. Set: 12.50
262 Flower White hearts Venice Single beads Short barrels, floral pattern in white & blue on red, over white core; basically white hearts with a pattern. Mostly 9-10m wide. Unusually nice condition for this fragile old type. 3 or more chosen for variation in size, color, etc. $4 each; Single bead: Ea. 5.00
623 White Heart & Mixed Venice Mixed strand of oldest type of Cournalene d'Aleppo white hearts, plus other high-value beads.     623b) Huge 39" strand with several types of oldest white hearts in superior condition, plus King, millifiore, rattlesnake & other high value types $250 26 90.00 - 250.00
678 Green Hearts Venice Older green-hearts, probably 1700's, irregular dark red tubes over greenish cores. This lot from Africa. Bead widths 7-10m, average 130 per strand.. Typical long strand shown, note some cracked. 36 25.00
210s Millifore: Set Venice Wildly popular Mosaic or "many flower" design comes in endless colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes and was produced by a variety of techniques in Venice, late 1800's-1920s & later. For dealers and collectors they are a blue chip bead, increasing in value at least 5% / year since the 1980s. Quiggin p.39, Opitz p.57-58, Dubin #55. Set 0f 7 different lengths, patterns, including long 50+m, and square piece. Set 15.00
722a Millefiore & Others Venice Collection of 20 yellow + eye cylindircal Millefiore plus 30 other higher value beads, such as Tiger-stripe, an old striped bicone, etc. 28 65.00
722c Millefiore & Others Venice Varied strand with 42 Millefiore, flower, tiger, eye, fancy beads, etc. Lots of variety and color. 27 80.00
209 Millifore: Elbow Venice Most valuable of Millefiore shapes, long pieces with a bend: 209a) Yellow with red "eyes" 40+mm $9; 50-55m as shown $15;   209b) Green with blue "eyes" 50-55m $17.50 Ea. 9.00 - 17.50
212 Talhakimt Pendants Europe Single beads Large, flat European-made glass beads copying metal & stone pieces used bythe Tuaregs of the northern Sahara. Called "Niger glass" by my supplier and Zinder beads in Europe. See Der Primitivgeldsammler 1989/1 p.23 #IV1,3., Opitz p.38, 64. Range 47-54m tall. Your choice of color / style if in stock. $8.50 each per 3+; Per one: Ea. 10.00
593 Carnelian Glass Round Glass beads imitating striped carnelian stone, mixed colors, sizes. Most 12-16m wide. Lot of five mixed: 5.00
529A Gumba Venice Blue, Yellow & Orange barrels 9-11m long, with Black & White Flower beads between. Low-value trade beads, apparently Gumba is a generic Nigerian name for them. A) 26 9.00
566M Seed & Others Europe, China Mixed Strands Various colors, including the more irregular, larger Chinese type, and small white-hearts 24+ 8.50
212S Talhakimt, Agate Europe Single beads Pink stone European-made beads used bythe Tuaregs of the northern Sahara. Called Zinder beads in Europe. See Der Primitivgeldsammler 1989/1 p.23 #IV1,3., Opitz p.38, 64. Specimens available: a, b, c, d Each 15.00
263S Togo Stone (Set) Togo? White quartz disc with drilled hole, rubbed in reddish earth. Found in hoards, they are likely a very early bead money, though both their original and modern uses are unclear. The Akhan & nearby tribes would find them exposed after heavy rains, and called them "thunderstones," believing they had come from the sky and had healing properties.      263 Large 30-45mm $14.50;     263R Small 18-25mm, rough $5; 263S Set of four (not five) stones, different sizes, plus one small rough type: Set: 37.50
720 "Togo Stone" Beads Europe Single beads Glass imitations of the valued "Togo stone" money. First strand seen by my supplier, one of the biggest bead importers. Beads mostly 15-20m wide, 6-10m thick. Lot of 5 beads with some variation in size: $12; Per bead: $3 Ea. 3.00 - 12.00
X223 Munshi Beads Sahara Sngle Beads The Tiv (a.k.a. Munshi) tribe of Shima, northern Nigeria used looped brass beads of average 12mm imitating a seed, valued at 1/4 silver Dirhem of the Mediterranean caliphates. In 1968 Johanssen Nigerian Currencies considered them rare. See Opitz p.41, Quiggin p.60 fig.9, Johansson 50,54, supl14 #65, PS1987/3.     From an old purchase Each: $2.50, 3 diff sizes $6.50; mini-string of 12 pieces $21.00 2.50 - 21.00
X224s Moulay Beads: Set Nigeria Set Derived from older Munshi beads of the Tiv, but used farther south. Beads look like seeds with loops and range 10-14mm. Some are worn, and others have apparently been filed down to bevels. Apparently still made and used, the Traders sell sharp, unused strands much more cheaply. Set of 5 beads showing variations: Set 17.50
712 Akoso Ghana, Togo Single Beads Status beads of the Kings & nobility of the Ewe (= Krobo?). Ground trade beads are fused in clay moulds. These are well-worn examples of the "classic" period ca. 1870s-1910s. (These types & many others have been made since from bottle glass.) Your choice by bead: 712a,c,e,fLargest & Best, Each: $7.50; 713a-L Each: $4.50; 714a-g Each $2.50 Ea. 2.50 - 7.50
626t Bauxite Nigeria Single Beads Rough earth-red beads from clay rich in aluminium ore, a distinctive African bead. Set of 3 lengths of 7-11m wide beads. Each 3.50
237s Iron: Medium Nigeria Single Beads: Three rough 10m wide beads, plus two polished 6m beads. Iron in any form was considered money in Africa. Per set of 5: Ea. 3.50
645 Brass: Rough Nigeria Crudely cast & variable beads with large central holes. Average 82 beads, 9m across. Recently cleaned, unfortunately. Any metal bead could have been used as money in Africa. Single Beads 3 beads: $3.50; 10 beads: 9.50; Full doubled strand: 24 65.00
641L Natural Amber Gambia Single Beads Natural tree amber from Gambia, roughly shaped into beads of 12-18m and holed with a hot poker. Old amber (and imitation) beads were important trade items in Africa. These are old amber, but new beads. Five mixed sizes: Ea 4.50
638 Ostrich Eggshell East Africa Turkana, Samburu, Ovambo tribes. Rough roundish disks of tough eggshell, center-pierced, about 200 per strand. A well-known odd & curious item & one of few beads from eastern Africa. Opitz p.246, Quiggin p.100,107 24 25.00
2500 Spindle Whorls Nigeria Strung as beads, these are terracotta weights used to spin fabric strands into thread. They are one of the commonest and most universal of artifacts. Age unknown, but not recent. Size 40-50m across. Single beads of my choice are available, a) plain $9; b)with etched designs $12. Strand of 33: 200.00
704 Fulani Womens Necklace West Africa Multiple strands of small cane-cut or seed beads with bundled long beads as pendant, copper wire, dyed twine. Fit easily over head. Sold out @ $59.50, new stock and a reduced price! Necklaces available: 704c  ; 704d  ; 704e  ; 704f  ; 704g  ; 704h 30-32 54.50
707 Mauritania Necklace N. Africa Modern composition using old trade beads, some newer beads, shells, spindle-worls, etc. Simple bead clasp. Scan shows both sides.   707c 24 oz.; 707d 18 oz.; 707e 18 oz.; 707f 23 oz.; 707g 23 oz.; 707h 20 oz.; 707j 20 oz.; 97.50
625s Sherpa Coral Tibet (India) Sets Imitating Coral, these glass beads were made in India and traded into Tibet. Scan shows typical sets. 625s) Set of 9 sizes, shapes, and shades $12.50;    625t) Set of four basic shapes & shades $5.00 Set 5.00 - 12.50
647S Peking Glass China Single Beads Made for centuries, these are the modern version, still made by the winding process, so cruder looking than older European beads. 10 pieces, mixed colors & sizes: 2.50
1327 Fossil Disk (Pi) China "Heaven was represented by the ancients in the tangible form of a perforated disk of jade. It was believed that such a token embodied the qualities of solar effulgence, and was closely connected with the powers of Heaven by means of its maagical properties, and therefore the Emperor, being the Son of Heaven, was able to commune and consult with Heaven through the medium o the jade disc." (C.A.S. Williams Outlines of Chinese Symbolism and Art Motives p.235. Offered here are MODERN pieces in black agate, 45mm (1.75") wide, crowded with small marine(?) fossils. Called Gemstone Donuts in jewelry trade. No two are alike. ($39 for 10) Each 5.00
TRADE BEADS: HIGH VALUE
These are generally the beads that are oldest, or were most difficult to make. There is a rough correspondance to how they were valued in the trade region. This is the category of beads that has appreciated steadily in price since the 1970s.
CLICK!
STOCK#
NAME
MADE IN
DESCRIPTION
↔"
US$
748 "Roman" Beads Alexandria? Rough, matte beads excavated in southern Sahara regions from ancient trade. Some are clearly wound, others may be drawn or possibly filed wound beads to eliminate gapping when strung. I am not sure whether they are faience or glass. Best guess as to origin would be Alexandria.    748a) Yellow graduated strand ranging 6x3m to 9x7.5m $100;      (748b) Yellow & mixed graduated strand ranging 4x2m to 10x7m Some smaller beads are clearly faience and there is a small,valuable Roman eye bead $165;     748c) Green strand ranging 5x3m to 9x7m, some faience $110 22-23 110.00 - 165.00
555a American Flag / Manhattan Venice Red & blue stripes on white layer, over red core. Dubin 110b? "Wound compound glass with polychrome stripes." Late 1700s, traded in Great Lakes region and falsely associated with purchase of Manhattan. 67 beads, mostly 11-12m x 12m wide. Some chipped or dull. 32 68.50
325 Black Chevron Venice? Single Beads Four layer black. Dubin p.116 & p.346 #12b quotes Michael Heide who examined millions of African beads and found 6-10 examples of this type. 8m wide x 14-17m long, ends not bevelled. Each: Ea. 12.50
309a Chevron, 7-layer Venice Single Bead Classic 7-layer Chevron, a.k.a. "Rosetta" bead, possibly first made by Romans, but the earliest Venetian 7-layers are dated to 1480-1580 and heralded the Renaissance of European beadmaking. An important trade bead of the era. See Quiggin color plate, #7. Today larger (length & diameter) beads are worth much more than smaller ones. This is larger than most: 27x40m and clearly shows the inner translucent green layer which is often lost to string wear. Each 195.00
312 Chevron, 6-layer Venice Single Beads Classic 6-layer Chevron, a.k.a. "Rosetta" bead, dating to late 19th & early 20th C. This bead mfr's sample card is early 20th C. 312a) 17x30m, nice quality $30; 312d) 24x38m, excellent quality $65; 312b,c) Large damaged pieces $12.50 ea.; 312x) Smaller dmaged pieces, width 13-20m, my choice $4.50; 312L) Lot of 5, mostly under 13m $12 Each 4.50 - 65.00
316 Chevron, 4-layer Venice Set Classic 4-layer "Rosetta" bead, as with the 6-layer, dated to late 19th & early 20th C.      316s) Small beads, widths 5-7m. Lot of 5 pieces, different lengths & cuts. Sample lot shown, yours will differ $5.00; Single Beads: 317) Widths 15-20m your choice as available $3.50 each; Each 3.50 - 5.00
541 Chevron, 4-layer Venice Classic 4-layer "Rosetta" bead, as with the 6-layer, dated to late 1800s. Strand 8-9m width, range 5-10m lengths.     ; 541d) 95 beads, incl. some without usual bevel cut ends. Each: 25 80.00
671 Copal Amber Ethiopia Copal is an immature form of amber, and was often imitated in plastic by European traders. I do not know whether these are natural copal or "German plastic" but they apper old, and were traded into Ethiopia where they were highly valued. See Francis Beads of the World p.35 for the difficulties of testing. Beads 20x25mm. Strands available: 671a) 27 beads;   671b) 29 beads 26 95.00
545f Dutch Dogon Holland Large beads. Crude, wound type, always found well worn. One of the oldest trade beads, made in Amsterdam 1580s & later, but probably also Bohemia, Venice, etc. Dubin #101-102. Long string of 49 with a great variety of sizes, shapes and colors; 3 green beads especially rare. Generally nice condition for Dogons. 34 185.00
545 Dutch Dogon Holland Graduated Blue to black, graduated strand of mostly round beads. One of the oldest trade beads, made in Amsterdam 1580s & later, but probably also Bohemia, Venice, etc. Dubin #101-102. 545g $90; 545c $90; 545h 150 smaller beads, widths 7-11m, range of colors & quality $75 40 75.00 - 90.00
545j Dutch Dogon, Worked Holland Graduated strand of varied colors, some showing filing. A few of the smaller pieces are donut beads. Long strand of 111 beads, widths range 9-21m. 36 135.00
699a Eye Bead: Black Venice Short, jet-black beds with white or multicolor "eyes." 65 Beads mostly 8-9m wide, 4-6m long. Nice condition. 26 89.50
592 Fancy, Mixed Europe Two white with raised designs and faceted reddish stone; Three patterned turned to show chipped areas. From an old collection. See Dubin #534. Lot: 15.00
551 Feather Venice Caramel colored wound bead with dragged decoration. Dubin 71. Most beads 18-25m long. Some partial, chipped, etc. 551c 26";   551d 23". Each: 23+ 75.00
262 Flower White hearts Venice Single beads Short barrels, floral pattern in white & blue on red, over white core; basically white hearts with a pattern. Mostly 9-10m wide. Unusually nice condition for this fragile old type. 3 or more chosen for variation in size, color, etc. $4 each; Single bead: Ea. 5.00
694 French Yellow-jacket Chevron France? Single Beads Five layer Chevron with yellow stripes on black/ white/ red/ white core. Although attribution is tentative (Peter Francis, Beads of the World p.65) this would be the highest value trade bead produced in France. Dubin (p.116 #14a & p.346) notes that M. Heide examined several million beads and rated this one "scarce" (seen 6-10 examples). a) Longest pieces, 18+m $40;   b) Under 18m $35;   c) Short $25; ;     694s) Set of four selected pieces, different lengths & thicknesses, best quality. Choose set fromSCAN $120 Per set. Ea. 25.00 - 120.00
546b Good Bead Venice Brick red barrels with white squares enclosing @. a.k.a.Venetian tic-tac-toe, called "Good Bead" in Ghana. Dubin #73b "wound glass with polychrome decoration." Strand includes some smaller square GB's and two large Russian Blue. Largest bead 7x17m. 27 82.50
565 Good (Eye) Bead Venice Circular or "eye" designs on solid background, generically called "good bead" in Ghana. 565c Barrel shape: White & brick red eyes on black. ;     565d Squared, mostly: Yellow & brick red in white circle, on black. Each: 24 80.00
213 King, classic yellow Venice Wound bicone beads from Venice, c. 1850s-1930s and highly valued in Ghana. Picard (Vol. V, pl.26, strands 7, 13) quotes a note on an actual sample card "traded for gold." Quiggin's "Aggry" bead, front plate #8 is likely a local sand-cast variant. "Classic" type is burnt yellow with cross pattern of green & multicolor stripes, but green and black beads, and variant patterns occur. Strings available: 213b) 52 beads, classic pattern, avg. grade $125;   213d) 57 beads, classic & mixed, avg. grade $110;   213e) 56 beads, classic, mixed, & smaller beads $100;   213f) 57 beads, classic pattern, top grade $165;   213g) 56 beads, classic & mixed, top grade $175 33-36 100.00 - 175.00
213s King set Venice Wound bicone beads from Venice, c. 1850s-1930s and highly valued in Ghana. Picard (Vol. V, pl.26, strands 7, 13) quotes a note on an actual sample card "traded for gold." Similar to Quiggin's "Aggry" bead, front plate #8. Commonest type is burnt yellow with cross pattern of multicolor stripes, but green, black,and variant patterns occur. Set of four sizes yellow, one each green & black (sample set shown): Set 15.00
213L King, damage lot Venice Lot of 13 King, including green & black, plus 6 other scarce types, all eroded or chipped Lot 12.00
668b Black King Venice Classic bicone made 1850s-1930s, but scarcer black vs. usual yellow, most with eye-like pattern. Graduated strand of 89 beads ranging 10-20m width. 34 165.00
675d King, Stripe & Dot Venice Perhaps an early version of King beads, rounded egg-yellow with incused red dots and trailed green stripes. These seem always to come rough and faded. 80 beads on long strand. 34 90.00
675e King & Others Venice Mixed strand of higher value beads, including green and yellow king beads. Condition below average showing that these trade beads did some circulating. 26 55.00
745a Medicine Beads Venice Called Medicine Bead by North American Indians, though I am seeking more information. A solid white, slightly ovoid wound bead with incused dark blue dots and trailed pink lines. Beads 10-11mm, 100 on strand (3 beads $13.50; 1/4 strand = 25 beads $50) 40 175.00
746 Nueva Cadiz Spain? Venice? Long light-blue tubular bead without layers. The layered versions are known from 16th Century sites in South America, but this variety (Smith & Good, 1982, #34) is associated with 17th Century North American sites. Unusually high quality specimens almost never seen in the layered variety, about 10 x 10 x 78-82mm (b = minor chips $27.50; c = serious chips $16.50). No damage, as "a", several available: 45.00
501c Nueva Cadiz Spain? Venice? Strand of mixed type beads, including the three-layer South American types in dark blue and rarer green, and some North American no-layer types. Longest bead is 43m. Ask for more information, or advise if interested in single beads, as I will likely break this up. 30 375.00
224 Moulay Beads Nigeria Derived from older Munshi beads of the Tiv, but used farther south. Mixed strand with seed-like beads, some clear, some worn, and some apparently filed smooth. String of over 250 beads.    Strands available: c, d 22 125.00
X224s Moulay Beads: Set Nigeria Set Derived from older Munshi beads of the Tiv, but used farther south. Beads look like seeds with loops and range 10-14mm. Some are worn, and others have apparently been filed down to bevels. Apparently still made and used, the Traders sell sharp, unused strands much more cheaply. Set of 5 beads showing variations: Set 17.50
245K Proto-bead Venice Early trade bead, possible ancestor of both King beads and Cournalene d'Aleppo. Supplier says they are quite rare. 20m wide x about 18m long, chalky yellow. Per bead: Ea. 15.00
703b Rattlesnake Netherlands Irregular white bands on black, "wound glass with trailed decoration" per Dubin #111 Traded into Ghana. 73 beads, 9-13m wide, most 7-10m long. 26 80.00
703a Rattlesnake & King Netherlands Irregular white bands on black, "wound glass with trailed decoration" per Dubin #111 Traded into Ghana. 70 Rattlesnake 10-11m wide, 2 Eye or similar, 19 smaller green King beads. 31 100.00
703c Rattlesnake & Others Netherlands Irregular white bands on black, "wound glass with trailed decoration" per Dubin #111 Traded into Ghana. Includes yell-wveined pieces, eye beads & other s simila to Rattlesnakes. 99 beads, 9-11m wide, most 7-9m long. Nice quality beads. 27 100.00
563u Russian Blue (elongated) Bohemia Classic Cobalt Blue, faceted elongated beads, associated with North American trade. Long strand of generally matched beads, nice condition. 30 210.00
562 Russian Blue (squared) Bohemia Squarish. Classic Cobalt Blue, associated with North American trade. Faceted, squarish shape, mostly 8m width. Long strands, matched beads in exceptiional condition. Your choice strands L, m. 29 120.00
562u Russian Blue (squared) Bohemia Darker colors, faceted squarish and round, mostly 10-12m width. Long strand of 76 beads. 30 210.00
672 Skunk: Black Venice a.k.a. Crows eye, Eye bead. White or colored "eye" spots on round black beads. Beads are old & some are rough, have lost their spots. A high-value bead, traded into Ethiopia. Beads 10-11m. Strands available: 672a) 65 beads 26 65.00
674a Skunk: Clear Venice a.k.a. Crows eye, Eye bead. White or colored "eye" spots on round semi-clear beads. Beads are old & some are rough. A high-value bead, traded into Ethiopia. 70 Beads 10-11m. 28 90.00
673b Skunk: Red Venice a.k.a. Crows eye, Eye bead, White heart. White "eye" spots on round red beads with white core. A high-value bead, traded into Ethiopia. Beads 10-11m. Dubin #95 "wound compound glas wih polychrome dots." Long strands of 98-99 beads. Sample stand shown. (Half strand $65) 38+ 110.00
673 Skunk: Red Venice Single beads a.k.a. Crows eye, White heart. White "eye" spots on round red beads with white core. A high-value bead, traded into Ethiopia. Beads 10-11m. Dubin #95 "wound compound glass with polychrome dots." Group of 5 beads: $8.00; Single bead: Ea. 2.50
720 "Togo Stone" Beads Europe Single beads Glass imitations of the valued "Togo stone" money. First strand seen by my supplier, one of the biggest bead importers. Beads mostly 15-20m wide, 6-10m thick. Lot of 5 beads with some variation in size: $12; Per bead: $3 Ea. 3.00 - 12.00
250a White Heart (Cournalene) Venice Cournalene d'Aleppo: Round form     Red over white core. Among the oldest of White Heart types. String of 54 beads ranging 11-21m. Cracks, chips, but generally nice for this type. 30 SOLD
252 White Heart (Cournalene) Venice Barrel form   Cournalene d'Aleppo, Hudsons Bay Trade Beads: Among the oldest of White Heart types.     Strings available: 252a) Largest size beads, 12-16m wide. 26" string of 32 beads, longest 25m. Above average condition for this type. $100;   252h) Medium sized beads 9-11m wide. 28" string of 54, largest 18m long. Exceptional grade for type. $80;    252p) Small beads, 6-7m wide. 30" string of48, mostly 15m long. Excellent condition. $70 70.00 - 100.00
251 White Heart (Cournalene) Venice Mixed types   Cournalene d'Aleppo, Hudsons Bay Trade Beads: Among the oldest of White Heart types.     Strings available: 251a) Medium size beads, generally12-16m wide, both round and barrel. 26" string, above average condition. $75;   251b) Medium size beads, generally12-16m wide, both round and barrel. 32" string, above average condition. $92.50 75.00 - 92.50
250S White Heart Set Venice, etc. Historical Set including early round and barrel Cournelene d'Aleppo forms (Hudsons Bay Trade Bead) from ca. 1830s?. Named for the white core beneath the (usually) red exterior. One of the most widely traded beads, into the Orient, Africa, and Americas. Includes several examples each of later cane-cut, rounded, and seed versions in traditional red and other colors, and modern regular, and seed versions. Types and quantities of beads as shown in scan. The "missing link" shown is not included, but I will offer lots of 3 beads when I can find them. Related types offered separately are the "Proto-bead" (white heart core), Flower white hearts, and red Skunk beads.. Set: 12.50
623 White Heart & Mixed Venice Mixed strand of oldest type of Cournalene d'Aleppo white hearts, plus other high-value beads.     623b) Huge 39" strand with several types of oldest white hearts in superior condition, plus King, millifiore, rattlesnake & other high value types $250 26 90.00 - 250.00
WHITE HEARTS Venice SEE ALSO Proto-beads (round White heart cores), Flower White hearts, and Skunk beads.
724 Yemen Agate Idar- Oberstein? Dark-and-white banded stone beads plus a few strays to make a pleasing necklace. Bead width 9-12+m.    724a 45" $75 ; 724b 36" 36 65.00
721 Collections, high value Europe Mainly types which sell for $50-100+ in full strands, much variety within strands. 721a   ; 721b   ; 721c   ; 721d    Each: 27-28 85.00
TRADE BEADS: MEDIUM VALUE
This category includes some types that were not valued highly in trade areas, but have become popular with collectors. Examples are the Rusian Blues because of their use in North America, and the Millefiore, now valued for its great beauty.
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STOCK#
NAME
MADE IN
DESCRIPTION
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US$
549 Agate Glass Bohemia? Sextagonal, Flat, Red-Brown, plus ruby Red glass. Beads 12 & 17m wide. Broken strands. Your choice a), or b): 25.00
504 Bauxite Rounds? Bohemia? Dark Red disks, possibly imitating the African bauxite bead color?? Used by Yoruba of Nigeria. Beads 9m wide, 2m long. Sample shown. 24 19.50
593 Carnelian Glass Round Glass beads imitating striped carnelian stone, mixed colors, sizes. Most 12-16m wide. Lot of five mixed: 5.00
677 Carnelian Glass Germany Visually convincing glass imitations of carnelian agate, from Germany, traded into Mali and Senegal. Most beads 10-15mm. Typical long strand shown. 30 36.50
312 Chevron, 6-layer Venice Single Beads Classic 6-layer Chevron, a.k.a. "Rosetta" bead, dating to late 19th & early 20th C. This bead mfr's sample card is early 20th C. 312a) 17x30m, nice quality $30; 312d) 24x38m, excellent quality $65; 312b,c) Large damaged pieces $12.50 ea.; 312x) Smaller dmaged pieces, width 13-20m, my choice $4.50; 312L) Lot of 5, mostly under 13m $12 Each 4.50 - 65.00
316 Chevron, 4-layer Venice Set Classic 4-layer "Rosetta" bead, as with the 6-layer, dated to late 19th & early 20th C.      316s) Small beads, widths 5-7m. Lot of 5 pieces, different lengths & cuts. Sample lot shown, yours will differ $5.00; Single Beads: 317) Widths 15-20m your choice as available $3.50 each; Each 3.50 - 5.00
541 Chevron, 4-layer Venice Classic 4-layer "Rosetta" bead, as with the 6-layer, dated to late 1800s. Strand 8-9m width, range 5-10m lengths.     ; 541d) 95 beads, incl. some without usual bevel cut ends. Each: 25 80.00
609 Czech Padre, Large Bohemia Unusual Orange color. Beads 14-15m wide. 24 27.50
760 Czech "Crystal" Bohemia Faceted glass bead in a shape typical of cut crystal. Beads 38m long. 24 69.50
761 Czech "Diamond" Bohemia Faceted glass bead in a shape typical of cut diamond. Strands available: a, b 25-26 37.50
572 Dogs Tooth Netherlands Subtly scalloped round black bead with white belt, 9-11mm wide. Traded to the Igbo of Nigeria. Choice of strands: a, b 24 65.00
511 Donut, blue Germany Ca. 1860-97. One of the few trade beads attributable to Germany. Widths 7-13m. 511h) Blue, some clear & odd-shaped;     511j) Blue, some black. 36 45.00
511Z Donut: Modern Faithful reproductions of the 19th Century German beads with usual crude appearance. Colors: Clear, Pink, Brown, Gold, Green. Blue, Dark Blue. $12.50 each if taking 3 or more strands. 21 15.00
511G Donut: Clear Germany Ca. 1860-97. One of the few trade beads attributable to Germany. Graduated strand of about 200, widths 7-13m. Some beads rough. You may take a half strand (beads loose) for half price. 32 45.00
220L Donut: Set Germany Ca. 1860-97. One of the few trade beads attributable to Germany. 11-13m wide. Lot of five beads, including dark, amber & clear specimens. 2.50
525 Dutch Delft Venice Ellipsoid with fluid flower patterns in blue or red on bone white base. Venetian imitations of a Dutch bead. Called Dabwa in Nigeria. Beads about 8m wide, 13-16m long. Usually found rough & faded, as though buried. Strands available:    525c) 54 beads, strand 30" $57.50 57.50
753 "Fancy" Beads Venice Black barrels with raised, trailed yellow banding. Most 6-11m long. "Fancy" beads with raised elements are usually much more expensive. 22 35.00
519b French Cross, White Venice Called Bodoum in Africa, white with cross of red, white & black. These white ones were a trade item in the American southwest, which has caused a rapid price rise in the price of those found in Africa. Similar Dubin 70a 21-22 45.00
519q French Cross, White Diagonal Venice Smaller, flatter beads with diagonal stripes. Beads 9-10m long, 21-22 24.50
519a French Cross, Yellow Venice Called Bodoum in Africa, yellow with cross of red, white & black, similar to a King bead. Supplier says these were "used to buy gold." Beads average 12m long, usually 44-52/strand as length varies. Similar Dubin 70a 21-22 27.50
519p French Cross, Yellow Diagonal Venice Smaller, flatter beads with diagonal stripes. Beads 9-10m long, 21-22 30.00
708 Fulani Necklace Sahara Brass bells interspersed with trade beads. 708a Blue, white & clear with stripes cane cut, 26" $50; 708b Striped, white-heart & feather beads, 26" $60 26 50.00 - 60.00
517c Green Chevron Venice Also called Melon, watermelon, or Molonganame (Muly Yaghalama) beads in Africa Pinched-end, 4-layer Chevron, Dark green with white stripes showing through, over red, over white. Bead width 4x9m, 55-60 beads per long strand. Sample strand shown. All nice condition. 28 37.50
517s Green Chevron Venice Also called Melon, watermelon, or Molonganame (Muly Yaghalama) beads in Africa Pinched-end, 4-layer Chevron, multicolor stripes over white / red / white. Bead width 6m, 55-65 28 30.00
678 Green Hearts Venice Older green-hearts, probably 1700's, irregular dark red tubes over greenish cores. This lot from Africa. Bead widths 7-10m, average 130 per strand.. Typical long strand shown, note some cracked. 36 25.00
678L Green Hearts Venice Single Beads Older green-hearts, probably 1700's, irregular dark red tubes over greenish cores. This lot from Africa. Bead widths 7-10m. 7 pieces, mixed sizes from strand as shown: Ea. 2.50
536Y Hebron: Yellow Palestine / Sudan Peter Francis in Beads of the World p.78 notes that, during the disruption of the Crusades, " . . .beadmakers apparently emigrated from Tyre on the Mediterranean coast to Hebron near Jerusalem sometime after the twelfth century. They made beads there, using the salts of the Dead Sea as their alkali. Their glass was opaque yellow and green, sometimes blue and black. The beads were furnace-wound and were popular in Egypt and in sub-Saharan Afriaca." Traded to Sudan, where they are found today. Ugly beads, they look old, with porosity and chips. Single beads $3.50;   Graduated strand of 49-52 beads 49.50
536B Baby Hebron Palestine / Sudan Small versions of this early bead from Palestine, shown with two usual Hebron beads for comparison. Can supply either baby or even smaller "infant" size. Each: 25-26 29.50
747 European Hebron (Sudan) European-made versions of the ancient Hebron beads made in the middle east and popular in the Sudan. Beads about 20m wide. 26 37.50
215b King Bead Disks Venice Same porous, chalky yellow glass as classic King bead, but plain disks 17m wide. Traded into Ghana. Not much on market until recently. 30 62.50
675c King type, Mixed Venice Tubular beads in egg-yolk yellow as King beads, but variable patterns. A broad mixture of varieties on one strand. 59 beads, mostly 9-16mm long, as shown: 26 75.00
540k Millefiore: Mixed Venice Yellow, brick red, Black; eye pattern. 41 beads, 9-10m wide, most 13m long. Short strand. 22 60.00
695b Millefiore: Mixed Venice Black with eye theme. 29 Millie of 2 similar types, plus 19 eye & others with similar themes. Millies 10-14m wide, most 15-25m long. 25 75.00
540s Millefiore: Matched Venice 3 Types, uneven mix, mainly yellows & greens. 57 beads, 9m wide, mostly 10-18m long. 28 65.00
695a Millefiore: Matched Venice Wavy, irregular multicolor bands; psychedelic! I think this is called a "Kente" design after a type of African cloth. 35 beads, 11-13m wide, mostly 12-25m long. 26 75.00
695c Millefiore: Matched Venice Black with bright Yellow eye design. 33 beads 11-12m wide, most about 20m long. 27 75.00
695d Millefiore: Matched Venice Green & White barrel design bisected by multicolor banding. 54 beads, most 11-2m wide, most about 16m long. Long strand. 32 80.00
695e Millefiore: Matched Venice Sunburst-in eye design, Black, White, brick Red, Yellow. 34 long beads, 8-10m wide, most 25-28m long. Long strand. 37 80.00
695f Millefiore: Matched Venice Black with Red & Yellow eyes. 36 beads, 9-10m wide, most about 22m. 31 75.00
697a Millefiore: Matched Venice Brick Red, White, Blue, Yellow. 35 large beads 20m wide, most 35/38m bevel cut ends. Very long string. 46 100.00
697b Millefiore: Matched Venice Brick Red, White, Blue, Yellow. 56 beads 11m wide, most 16/21m bevel cut ends. Very long string. 51 120.00
697c Millefiore: Matched Venice Dark Red, White, bit of Blue, 24 long beads, 10m wide by 30m long. Very long string. 57 110.00
697d Millefiore: Matched Venice Blue, Black, Brick Red, White. 40 long beads, 11-12m wide, mostly 36m long. Very long string. 59 120.00
696a Millefiore, Square: Mixed Venice 21 Purple with Brick Red, Yellow, Black design, plus 25 with mixed designs. 7m wide, most 12-15m long. 25 75.00
696b Millefiore, Square: Matched Venice Black, White eyes with red or yellow centers. 40 beads, 9m wide, most 15-20m long. 26 75.00
696c Millefiore, Square: Matched Venice Black with Yellow eyes with Brick Red & White bordrs. 70 beads, 10m wide, mostly 14/18m long bevel cut ends. Very long strand. 44 100.00
209 Millifore: Elbow Venice Most valuable of Millefiore shapes, long pieces with a bend: 209a) Yellow with red "eyes" 40+mm $9; 50-55m as shown $15;   209b) Green with blue "eyes" 50-55m $17.50 Ea. 9.00 - 17.50
210s Millifore: Set Venice Wildly popular Mosaic or "many flower" design comes in endless colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes and was produced by a variety of techniques in Venice, late 1800's-1920s & later. For dealers and collectors they are a blue chip bead, increasing in value at least 5% / year since the 1980s. Quiggin p.39, Opitz p.57-58, Dubin #55. Set 0f 7 different lengths, patterns, including long 50+m, and square piece. Set 15.00
722a Millefiore & Others Venice Collection of 20 yellow + eye cylindircal Millefiore plus 30 other higher value beads, such as Tiger-stripe, an old striped bicone, etc. 28 65.00
722c Millefiore & Others Venice Varied strand with 42 Millefiore, flower, tiger, eye, fancy beads, etc. Lots of variety and color. 27 80.00
561d Russian Blue (Africa) Bohemia Light Blue Squarish Blue-gray beads, larger 10m width. Traded into Africa & hence not as popular as darker type used in North America 23 40.00
563 Russian Blue (elongated) Bohemia Darker colors, elongated associated with North American trade, range medium blue through black. Mixed shapes, but including longer, tubular or ellipsoid beads, mostly 3-5m width. Some green beads. Your choice strands a, 20 28.50
563 Russian Blue (elongated) Bohemia Darker colors, including elongated beads, associated with North American trade, wide variety of shapes and colors, mostly 5-6m widths. Your choice strands L, m, n, o, p, 24 45.00
563 Russian Blue (elongated) Bohemia Darker colors, including elongated beads, associated with North American trade, wide variety of shapes and colors, mostly 5-6m widths. Your choice strands: LL, mm, nn 29-32 58.50
563 Russian Blue (elongated) Bohemia Darker colors, including elongated beads, associated with North American trade, wide variety of shapes and colors, mostly 5-6m widths. Your choice strands: pp, qq 29-32 58.50
562 Russian Blue (squared) Bohemia Darker colors, squarish associated with North American trade, range medium blue through black. Faceted, squarish shape, mostly 5-6m width. Your choice strands a, b 20 27.50
562n Russian Blue (squared) Bohemia Squarish. Good mixture of colors. Associated with North American trade. Bead widths range 4-11m. 24 60.00
548 Senegal Blue Venice Excavated beads from Senegal, product of Venice late 1700's-1800s? Range 2-8mm width. One strand has some green, another soe "Russian blue" mixed in. Strands available: a, b 28-30 35.00
625s Sherpa Coral Tibet (India) Imitating Coral, these glass beads were made in India and traded into Tibet. Scan shows typical sets. 625s) Set of 9 sizes, shapes, and shades $12.50;    625t) Set of four basic shapes & shades $5.00 Set 5.00 - 12.50
517a Striped Chevron Venice Also called Melon, watermelon, or Molonganame (Muly Yaghalama) beads in Africa Pinched-end, 4-layer Chevron, multicolor stripes over white / red / white. Bead width 6m. 3 beads: Ea. 3.00
212 Talhakimt Pendants Europe Large, flat European-made glass beads copying metal & stone pieces used bythe Tuaregs of the northern Sahara. Called "Niger glass" by my supplier and Zinder beads in Europe. See Der Primitivgeldsammler 1989/1 p.23 #IV1,3. Opitz p.38, 64. Range 47-54m tall. Your choice of color / style if in stock. $8.50 each per 3+ 10.00
212S Talhakimt, Agate Europe Single beads Pink stone European-made beads used bythe Tuaregs of the northern Sahara. Called Zinder beads in Europe. See Der Primitivgeldsammler 1989/1 p.23 #IV1,3., Opitz p.38, 64. Specimens available: a, b, c, d Each 15.00
670r Tomato Venice Large, slightly translucent beads, irregularly rounded, in yellow. Beads show age: some porosity. Traded into Ethiopia. Beads 22-24mm long, 26 per strand. Sample strand shown. 23 48.50
670y Tomato, Yellow Venice Large, slightly translucent beads, irregularly rounded, in brilliant shades of red. Traded into Ethiopia. Beads 22-24mm long, 26 per strand. Sample strand shown. 23 48.50
512c Tubular faceted Netherlands? Long, translucent. Supplier says these are called Peme in Nigeria. Four nearly clear beads, 38-40m long. Yellow beads cracked or crazed. 23 37.50
512f Tubular faceted Netherlands? Long, translucent. Supplier says these are called Peme in Nigeria. Mixture of red, yellow, milky white, 38-40m long. Yellow beads cracked or crazed. 12.50
502G Vaseline, green Bohemia Translucent forest green in unique short faceted bicone shape. Made. ca. 1830-1900 acccording to P. Francis. Beads 16m wide, usually mixed 7m. Ask for solid green, or with stray color beads included. Once commoner, seldom offered now. Strands: 502Ga short & long; 502Gb short beads; 502Gc Red, etc. mixed in; 502Gd Long, short, spacers, etc.; 502G) As main scan, long beads: 24-25 27.50
502R Vaseline, red Bohemia Translucent deep red in unique short faceted bicone shape. Made. ca. 1830-1900 acccording to P. Francis. Beads 14m wide, mostly10m long. Used to be commoner on market, seldom offered now. 22 27.50
502M Vaseline, mixed Bohemia Mixture of scarcer color Vaseline and similar type beads Made. ca. 1830-1900 acccording to P. Francis. 22 27.50
250S White Heart Set Venice, etc. Historical Set including early round and barrel Cournelene d'Aleppo forms (Hudsons Bay Trade Bead) from ca. 1830s?. Named for the white core beneath the (usually) red exterior. One of the most widely traded beads, into the Orient, Africa, and Americas. Includes several examples each of later cane-cut, rounded, and seed versions in traditional red and other colors, and modern regular, and seed versions. Types and quantities of beads as shown in scan. The "missing link" shown is not included, but I will offer lots of 3 beads when I can find them. Related types offered separately are the "Proto-bead" (white heart core), Flower white hearts, and red Skunk beads. Set: 12.50
644b Iron: Small Nigeria Mostly bicone but some irregular, rough beads with large center hold, over 100 oer strand, mostly 5-9m wide. Iron in any form was considered money in Africa. 24 35.00
644a Iron: Large Nigeria Crudely cast & variable beads with large central holes. Beads run 13-15mm across. Iron in any form was considered money in Africa. 24 65.00
237s Iron: Medium Nigeria Single Beads: Three rough 10m wide beads, plus two polished 6m beads. Iron in any form was considered money in Africa. Per set of 5: Ea. 3.50
645 Brass: Rough Nigeria Crudely cast & variable beads with large central holes. Average 82 beads, 9m across. Recently cleaned, unfortunately. Any metal bead could have been used as money in Africa. Single Beads 3 beads: $3.50; 10 beads: 9.50; Full doubled strand: 24 65.00
651 Collection Europe Mixed collection of medium-value beads. A good way to build a collection of types which would be costly in full strings. Look them up in Dubin or other references. Multiple orders: I can select "different" strings, but there will be overlap. 2+ strands take 10% discount. "Specimen" strands (chosen randomly) for those who want to know exactly what they are getting: 651c ; 651e; 651f; 651g ; 651h; 651j; 651k $27.50 Each 25-26 24.50
TRADE BEADS: LOWER VALUE
This category is dominated by the Czech beadmakers and their molded (seamed) beads, who gave Venice serious competition in the late 19th & erly 20th Centuries.
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NAME
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DESCRIPTION
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681 Agate Glass Venice? Tubular faceted beads. The stone-like striations stop at the lengthwise seam, hardly good for the illusion that they are stone. Late 19th century. Two samples show the range of colors. Bead length 22m 22+ 21.00
530a Agate: squared Idar Oberstein? Stone beads, roughly losenge shaped plus a few rounded. 29 beads, largest 35 x 10 x 11m. 24 20.00
739 Black Agate (glass) Bohemia? Ellipsoid & other shapes in jet black, sometimes with white bands. Traded into Nigeria. Strands available: b, c, d, e, f, g 22 22.00
725 Black ridged Bohemia? Short, jet-black beads with 6 prominent ridges, beads about 5x5m. Samples shown. 28 16.50
631 Blue White-heart Europe Small cane-cut blue over white core. Beads 2-3m long, range aqua to medium blue. Picard calls them rare. 24 23.50
532a Brass Bicone, Modern Kirdi, Cameroun Modern but crude. Worn by single Kirdi women in strands drooping below the belly to hide the genital area, so also called cache sexe beads. 9-10m wide, 12m long, about 54 per strand. 22 18.50
532b Brass Bicone Kirdi, Cameroun Modern? but crude. Worn by single Kirdi women in strands drooping below the belly to hide the genital area, so also called cache sexe beads. Strand of 40, mixed 15m wide fine style, and 13m wide cruder. 20 45.00
649 Cassamance (Shipwreck) Senegal Milk white, rough and irregular tubular shaped beads from Venice, one local name being "Goombah". These have begun washing up on the beaches of Senegal's Casamance region along with green hearts (another crude, earlier type), evidence of a shipwreck. Beads range 4-12m length & width. Not pretty, so the Africans sell them cheaply. 649a) Goombah beads, 24" strands 8.50;   649s) Casamance beads (Goombahs from shipwreck) 32" strands ($10 each per 5 strands). Single strand: 30-32 11.50
612 Colorado Europe a.k.a. Colodanto, Congoina. Large ellipsoids, mostly 13m wide, 16m long, with strays. Strands available, with lengths noted: a) 26"; b) 24"; d) 21"; e) 25" needs restringing. Each: 15.00
510A Cranberry Bohemia Dark red-brown when worn, they glow a deep red when held to the sun or a light. About 58 beads per strand. Beads mostly 8-10m. 21 21.50
510J Cranberry Bohemia Medium red-brown, variable number of beads ranging 7-10mm (two strands shown) 23 18.50
518b Cranberry: Disks Bohemia Medium red-brown disks, most 7m, some 9m wide, by 4m long. 26 30.00
507 Czech Cubes Bohemia Translucent red with white frosting. Molded, early 1900s. One of types called Kancamba (Kancamba) in Ghana. Beads 8m square, about 70 per strand. Two sample strands shown. 25 18.50
605B Czech Padre Bohemia Molded beads imitating Chinese Padres. Most 8m wide. Red, orange, or dark Purple, your choice 25 15.00
528c Dice Beads, Pink Bohemia Bevelled rectangles, Imitating dice. Peter Francis notes the irony of gambling-averse Muslims perferring this type of bead. Mostly 5m wide x 10m long. Commonest color, Pink (multiple strands shown) 22-24 13.00
528a Dice Beads, Colors Bohemia Bevelled rectangles, Imitating dice. Peter Francis notes the irony of gambling-averse Muslims perferring this type of bead. Mostly 5m wide x 10m long. Solid strands of white, yellow, or blue, your preference as available: 22-24 16.00
528b Dice Beads, Mixed Bohemia Bevelled rectangles, Imitating dice. Peter Francis notes the irony of gambling-averse Muslims perferring this type of bead. Mostly 5m wide x 10m long. Mixed strands, may not be an even mix, may NOT be strands or colors shown in scan. As they come: 22-24 16.00
528n Dice, Unused Bohemia Shiny new beads, but from an old trading stock, not newly made. 20 11.00
552 Dogbone (Drum) Bohemia a.k.a. Drum or Dondo (Ghana). Bright red. 49-50 beads, 10m wide x 13m long. Others sell these at $40+. 26 25.00
560 Dogbone (Dumbell) Bohemia Bright red, about 4 x 9m. Called Coral Beads in Togo. a) 30" $25;   b) 27" some darker $21;    c) 30"? broken strand, including translucent pieces $25 25.00
738 Elbow / Macaroni Bohemia Bright shades of red to orange. Traded into Senegal and Mali. Typical beads 7mm wide x 36mm long. Sample shown. 24 20.00
706a Flower-shape Bohemia Four knobs around central hole vaguely imitate flower shape. Beads 2x6m. a) Green, as shown; b) Green with some others mixed in: 20 12.00
678 Green Hearts Venice Older green-hearts, probably 1700's, irregular dark red tubes over greenish cores. This lot from Africa. Bead widths 7-10m, average 130 per strand.. Typical long strand shown, note some cracked. 36 25.00
678c Green Hearts Venice Short strands, older green-hearts, probably 1700's, irregular dark red tubes over greenish cores. This lot from Africa. Bead widths 7-10m, note many cracked. Sample shown. 22 11.00
678L Green Hearts Venice Single Beads Older green-hearts, probably 1700's, irregular dark red tubes over greenish cores. This lot from Africa. Bead widths 7-10m. 7 pieces, mixed sizes from strand as shown: Ea. 2.50
678S Green Heart Seeds Venice Tiny "seed" type dark red over a (very dark) green core. Traded into Southern Africa and Nagaland (India), this lot comes via Thailand. Beads about 2mm. Typical strand shown. 24 20.00
752 Lemon Beads Bohemia Bright lemon-yellow beads, most 7m long. Shown also a tangerine colored strand. Each: 28 11.00
686B Massai (Black) Netherlands? Glossy black square-cut tubular beads of the type called "Baya" in West Africa, where various colors are traded and black beads not preferred. These black are traded to the Massai of East Africa and are one of the types called Massai beads. Beads 5-6m. Typical strand shown. 28 18.50
707 Mauritania Necklace N. Africa Modern composition using old trade beads, some newer beads, shells, spindle-worls, etc. Simple bead clasp. Scan shows both sides.   707c 24 oz.; 707d 18 oz.; 707e 18 oz.; 707f 23 oz.; 707g 23 oz.; 707h 20 oz.; 707j 20 oz.; 97.50
617 Melon Venice Striped losenge or tabular beads, imitating Chevrons, most 6-7m wide, 11-13m long. Called Molonganame (Muly Yaghalama) in Ghana. Available strands: a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h (& j, 23m blue stripe $12) Many sellers ask $25+. Each: 24+ 17.50
509X Modern White-heart Czech Modern version of this classic trade bead, still with a rough "wound" look, variety in shape and thickness, and the brilliant red produced by translucent glass over a white core. Wide holes for easy stringing. About 100 beads, 7m wide. $10 Ea / 3 strands. 23 14.50
638 Ostrich Eggshell East Africa Turkana, Samburu, Ovambo tribes. Rough roundish disks of tough eggshell, center-pierced, about 200 per strand. A well-known odd & curious item & one of few beads from eastern Africa. Opitz p.246, Quiggin p.100,107 24 25.00
230 Ostrich Eggshell East Africa Single Beads Turkana, Samburu, Ovambo tribes. Rough roundish disks of tough eggshell, center-pierced A well-known odd & curious item & one of few beads from eastern Africa. Opitz p.246, Quiggin p.100,107. Ten beads, mixed sizes: 3.00
531a Padre: Tourquoise, White China Chinese bead which travelled all over the world as part of the Spanish silver trade. Best known in North America where they were popular with Southwest US Amerinds, especially the turquoise blue color. Made ca. late 18th-early 19th C. by the primitive winding process. These are old, circulated Padres, not the more regular, often-seamed European copies. Commonest Turquoise Blue or White, Each: 22-24 15.00
531b Padre: Scarce colors China Less common colors: Red, Yellow, or traslucent Blue (green SOLD). There are mixed shades within each string, and sometimes strays of other colors. 22-24 16.50
531d Padre: Scarcest China Scarce colors: Black,