Unusual, Early Pair of Comanche Earrings

Comanche

19th Century | Silver, German Silver | Item 2683

This is a dramatic pair of Comanche earrings, not just stylistically, but also in its creative use of materials. They are a unique, one of a kind, example of Native earrings. A silver ring, meant for the ear, has two, cobalt blue, faceted, glass beads at the very top. From here hangs a triangle cut out of silver with rocker engraving bordering it. The base of this triangle has 3 punched holes to hang three bird like elements. These elements are actually pin plates or pin escutcheons for a 17th to 18th century fully stocked rifle. These pines hold the barrel to the wood, and this gun must of had a long barrel due to there being 3 pins per side. Each of these pins has rocker engraving on the tail and head portion on the front side. These pins are likely made from German silver, due to their yellow hue.