Skip to main content
Home

Main navigation

  • Free Appraisals
    • Get a Free Appraisal
    • View Appraisals
    • Local Appraisers
  • Classifieds
  • Blog
  • Shows
    • Antique Shows, Flea Markets, & Swap Meets Map
    • Upcoming Shows
User Menu
  • Login
  • Help
  • Register

Breadcrumb

  1. Home

Circa 1850 velvet handbag with Iroquois raised beading in classic Niagara floral style

Profile picture for user TealJamie
By TealJamie, 4 February, 2025
Description

I believe this velvet handbag to be circa 1850 with Iroquois raised beadwork in the classic Niagara floral style.  

Category
Vintage Textiles and Clothing
Medium
Velvet bag - beads
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
8" long and 7" at widest point
Date Period
circa 1850
Weight
2lbs
For Sale?
No
Photos
Profile picture for user TealJamie

TealJamie

4 months 3 weeks ago

beaded handbag

Hello Friends,

I would appreciate any input on a value for this circa 1850 Iroquois raised beadwork handbag with classic Niagara floral design.

Thanks,

jamie

No votes yet
Profile picture for user NaidaTheCollector

NaidaTheCollector

4 months 3 weeks ago

Circa 1850 Velvet Handbag with Iroquois Raised Beading

Overview:
This item is a velvet handbag featuring Iroquois raised beadwork in the classic Niagara floral style, a highly recognizable form of decorative art produced by Indigenous communities, particularly the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) peoples, in the mid-19th century. These pieces were often sold as souvenirs to tourists visiting the Niagara Falls region, blending traditional Native American beadworking techniques with market demand.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

  1. Beadwork Style:
    • The raised beadwork is characteristic of Iroquois artistry, showcasing intricate floral designs with vibrant colors. This technique is unique to the Haudenosaunee and remains a symbol of cultural pride and heritage.
  2. Tourist Trade:
    • During the 1800s, Iroquois artisans began producing decorative items like handbags, pincushions, and wall hangings for sale to tourists. These items often included floral motifs inspired by nature and had a strong association with the Niagara region.
  3. Material:
    • The use of velvet as the base material, along with glass seed beads, reflects the craftsmanship and aesthetic preferences of the period.

Condition:

  1. Overall:
    • The bag is in good condition considering its age, with the beadwork mostly intact.
    • There is some visible wear on the velvet and signs of age in the thread and lining, which is typical for a piece from this time period.
  2. Structural Integrity:
    • The bag appears structurally sound with no major damage, though it may exhibit minor fraying or loosening of beads due to natural aging.

Estimated Value:

  1. Market Trends:
    • Iroquois beadwork is highly collectible, particularly pieces from the mid-19th century. Items in good condition with intricate designs and confirmed provenance tend to fetch higher prices.
  2. Estimated Worth:
    • $300-$600 based on its condition and the quality of the beadwork.
    • Items with verified provenance or museum-quality preservation can sell for $800-$1,200 or more.

Recommendations:

  1. Professional Appraisal:
    • A professional appraisal by a specialist in Native American artifacts or vintage textiles is recommended to confirm its age and cultural origins. This will also enhance its historical and monetary value if documentation is required.
  2. Preservation:
    • Store the bag in a cool, dry environment, away from direct sunlight or humidity, to preserve the velvet and beadwork. Consider using archival materials for storage.
    • Avoid cleaning or repairing the item without consulting a textile conservation expert to prevent unintentional damage.
  3. Display:
    • If displayed, use a protective case to minimize dust and environmental exposure.
Average: 5 (1 vote)
Profile picture for user TealJamie

TealJamie

4 months 3 weeks ago

In reply to Circa 1850 Velvet Handbag with Iroquois Raised Beading by NaidaTheCollector

Thank you for such detailed and useful information

Naida,

I appreciate your knowledge of this little purse.  You are a wealth of expertise and history on the origins of this kind of work.  Thank you for your response.  It has been extremely helpful.

Jamie

No votes yet
  • Log in or register to post comments

Today’s Featured Blog

How to Start a Collection: Tips for Beginners

More Blog articles…

Recent Appraisals

  • Royal Munich Serving Bowl Bavaria
  • Eichwald Majolica
  • cane topper or other?
  • 1960's Murano faceted purple vase
  • Autographed Bee Gees 1975 Concert Program - Main Course
  • antique umbrella holder
  • Mack 1 Appraisal Request
  • Ceramic pottery tray with agate finish
  • Paul Hanson Hand Painted Lamps
  • gone with the wind hurricane lamp
See more appraisals…

Recent Appraisal Comments

  • Antique Art Nouveau Ceramic Box (Attributed to Carl Sigmund Lube
  • Antique Or Vintage Ceramic Umbrella Stand
  • Any help as to what this may…
  • Painting - Possibly Alfred Fontville De Breanski Jr
  • Has been on the wall of our…
  • Pair of Paul Hanson Hand-Painted Table Lamps
  • Handcrafted Ceramic Tray with Agate Glaze Pattern
  • Hand-Painted Gone with the Wind Hurricane Lamp
  • Blenko Handmade Glass Bowl – Blue with Gold Foot (14.5")
  • Robert Berran Limited Edition Lithograph Set for C.G. Conn Ltd.

Recent Blog Articles

  • How to Start a Collection: Tips for Beginners
  • Beyond the Price Tag: The Hidden Factors That Influence Antique and Collectible Value
  • Beyond the Price Tag: Unlocking the Hidden Stories in Your Family Heirlooms
  • Antiques as an Investment: Beyond the Hype, What's Actually Worth It?
  • Is it Real or Just Really Old? Your Guide to Spotting Fake Antiques (and How to Protect Yourself)
  • Beyond the Dust: Unearthing the Stories Behind Your Antiques (and Why Knowing Matters)
  • Unlocking Time's Treasures: Your Essential Vintage Watch Value Guide

More Blog articles…

© 1995- InstAppraisal™, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, Terms and Conditions, End User License Agreement