Iconic Auctioneers | Solid Silver 'Seven Feathers' Automobile Radiator/Bonnet Mas-For Sale
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Solid Silver 'Seven Feathers' Automobile Radiator/Bonnet Mascot by B.H. Joseph & Company Birmingham 1928

Lot Number: 309

Solid Silver 'Seven Feathers' Automobile Radiator/Bonnet Mascot by B.H. Joseph & Company Birmingham 1928

Believed to have been commissioned by the famous Dakota activist, Charles Eastman, this finely detailed, radiator-mounted sculpture has a George V hallmark and is mounted on a solid nickel radiator cap over a wooden display base.

LIVE AUCTION: This lot was auctioned on Wednesday 5th June, 2024 at 5.30pm BST at Honourable Artillery Company

SUMMARY

Believed to have been commissioned by the famous Dakota activist, Charles Eastman, this finely detailed, radiator-mounted sculpture has a George V hallmark and is mounted on a solid nickel radiator cap over a wooden display base.

DESCRIPTION

Description from the vendor as follows:

Charles Eastman, lectured in Bristol in 1928. Born in Minnesota in 1858, Eastman graduated from Dartmouth College in 1887, before training to be a physician at Boston University. His medical practice took him to the Pine Ridge and Crow Creek reservations in South Dakota, where he helped care for those who survived the Wounded Knee massacre. By the early 20th century, he was also a prolific author and speaker on Dakota history and American Indian affairs. His visit to Bristol was part of a two-month tour to promote friendship between Great Britain and America on behalf of the philanthropic Brooks-Bryce Foundation. He gave a special lecture on Indian culture on behalf of the Royal Colonial Institute. He was about 70 years old at the time.

In Native American culture it is believed that all things possess an inherent virtue, power, and wisdom. The Seven feathers in this mascot is a powerful symbol standing for love, respect, courage, honesty, humility, truth and wisdom. Honour and a connection between the owner, the Creator and the bird from which the feather came. It symbolizes trust, honour, strength,  power, and freedom. It is an object that is deeply revered and a sign of high honour.

The Meaning of the Feather.

Native American warriors were awarded a feather when they won a battle or were particularly brave in war. When a feather falls to the earth, it is believed to carry all of the bird's energy, and it is perceived as a gift from the sky, the sea and the trees. Feathers may arrive unexpectedly but not without a purpose.

The Eagle Feather.

Each type of feather represents something different. The eagle’s feather, however, is one of the most esteemed. In Native culture, the eagle is considered the strongest and bravest of all birds. For this reason, its feathers symbolize what is highest, bravest, strongest, and holiest. It has strong medicine.

United States law recognizes the unique significance of eagle feathers in Native American culture, religion, and tradition and the eagle is a highly protected creature under US law, but special exceptions are made to allow Native Americans to possess, pass down, gift and acquire eagle feathers within specific conditions. 

Eagle's feathers are given to another in honour and they are displayed with dignity and pride. They are handled with great regard. In fact, if an eagle feather is dropped during a dance, a special ceremony is performed before picking it up again, and the owner is careful to never drop it again.

They are also used to adorn the sacred pipe because it is a symbol of the Great Spirit who is above all and from whom all strength and power flows. When a feather is held over a person’s head, it is a blessing, wishing bravery and happiness. Like many Native American symbols, some even choose to tattoo feathers on their bodies to help them on their journey or to tell their story. To wave it over everyone present means everyone is wished peace, prosperity and happiness.

CONSIGNOR

Consignor

For further information regarding this lot please contact Nigel.

CONTACT

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