ANN·BENSON·BEADING

Description

I bought the box frame for this piece (estimated from 1860) in an antique store in NYC in 1988. The front and back panels were rotted and unusable. I removed and conditioned the original leather lining, then stitched two new beaded panels. The frame was badly oxidized; my grandfather, still alive then, suggested I have it replated, and told me about the motorcycle shop where he had his Indian motorcycle parts plated. I sent the frame to them, they sandblasted off the tarnish, then plated the entire frame in sterling silver. I replaced the panels and reinserted the original leather lining. I then added a beaded handle using the same beads as in the panels. Photos of the panels were used as examples in one of my earlier beading books. This beaded piece is truly an original; and buyer beware: it will need the occasional application of a good silver cloth to keep it shining. I promise it's worth the effort. I'll ship it fully polished. Size: 6" tall including knobs, 4" wide, 2" deep with 14" beaded handle.