(ca. 1777-1809) Indian Trade Silver Lorraine Cross by Robert Cruickshank, Montreal. Silver. 142.3 mm x 67.7 mm. Approximately 415 grains. Suspended by a long strand of somewhat later (mid-19th century) glass trade beads. Typical hole for suspension with ring. Engraved designs on both sides, trilobate head, bilobate terminals. R-C mark in conforming cartouche at center of top bar on one side.<p>A well-worn and beautifully patinated piece, with a lengthened teardrop shaped hole that bespeaks years of wear and display. The rocker engraved designs show significant wear, and small marks on both sides blend into a smooth surface. The toning is dark gray and shows no sign of polish. An exquisite example of the type.<p>This comes to us with an auction lot description clipped from an unknown auction, perhaps a Christies sale and was accompanied by the photograph offered here. While the present cross and the one depicted in the photo are not the same object, they are certainly of the same kind. The cross and photo descended together, in the words of the catalogue, from "Clara Paul, a Penobscot Indian, and thence by descent through the family (four generations), all members of the Penobscot Indian Nation, Old Town, Maine." It is very unusual in the case of a non-dug article of Indian Trade silver to know the exact area it was distributed and worn, which tribe it was traded to, and even the name of an individual former wearer.Due to the size and nature of this lot, additional shipping charges apply. Please call 800-458-4646 for more information. From the Ronald A. Slovick Family Collection.
