Long Antique Cobalt Blue Glass Trade Beads and Coin Chacal Necklace

Details

Description

A 55 in long necklace composed of cobalt-blue glass trade beads, metal spacer beads, and seven small coin pendant charms, … Read more A 55 in long necklace composed of cobalt-blue glass trade beads, metal spacer beads, and seven small coin pendant charms, reflecting a traditional style of trade and ceremonial jewelry associated with Native and Indigenous cultures.

The necklace features 78 cobalt-blue glass beads, 12 ovoid metal spacer beads, and seven coin pendants. The glass beads are commonly referred to as Padre or African trade beads. The tarnished metal spacer beads appear to be silver-plated, although they are unmarked and have not been tested.

The pendant charms are Guatemalan 1/4 Real silver coins, locally known as cuartillos, minted during the late 19th century, approximately between the 1860s and 1890s. Small silver coins of this type were incorporated into traditional Guatemalan and Maya ceremonial jewelry, including chachales. These necklaces often combined antique glass trade beads, silver spacer elements, and old coins, creating distinctive pieces that were sometimes passed down as family heirlooms.

Two metal loops attached to the spacer beads extend perpendicular to the strand and function as a clasp, allowing the necklace to be doubled. When worn doubled, the necklace measures approximately 13 1/4 inches (33.7 cm) in length. The main strand of beads is strung on a blue cord.

Here are a few more details about the coins:
• Origin & Mint Mark. The "G" stands for the Casa de Moneda de Guatemala (the Guatemala City Mint).
• Design Elements. The obverse features a radiant sun rising over three smoking volcanoes (often referred to as the mountain design) with the mint year below. Depending on the exact year, the reverse either displays the "1/4 R" denomination inside a wreath or a rampant lion.
• Composition & Size. Struck in .835 or .750 fine silver, these coins are tiny—measuring just 11 mm in diameter and weigh under a gram.


MEASUREMENTS
Hangs 27 ½ in (69.8 cm)
Each bead is approximately 8 mm long.
Weighs 3.2 oz.

CONDITION
There are no broken beads or coins, although both the metal and glass beads have light scratches, and the metal beads are tarnished. Many of the coins and metal beads have blueish deposits on them. I'm not sure if this is from a chemical reaction with the metal, or if comes from the beads, which are a very similar color. The beads appear to have been restrung onto a cotton string, which is in very good condition.

An attractive and distinctive example of traditional trade and ceremonial jewelry, combining antique deep blue glass beads with historic Guatemalan silver coin charms. See less