|
|
|
| EXCEPTIONAL WESTERN ARTIFACTS - gold badge, watch, watch chain and lapel pin in custom case. The leather case is custom-made, folds and locks, with carrying handle and four recessed, silk-lined compartments for gold watch, badge, lapel pin and watch chain. Case is 5-1/2 inches x 11 inches. Imprinted in gold on cover is "Joseph M. Carey, ( a steer head design), Penn Cattle Co., Cheyenne, Wyo." Penn Cattle Company was one of Carey's cattle companies.
These cased, jeweler-made artifacts include Carey's 14k gold Howard pocket watch with cast (lost wax) and sculptured gold steer head mounted on cover with cabochon garnet inlaid eyes. Above steer head is a mine-cut diamond surrounded by pink gold rays. On watch back are initials "J.C." which are applique-mounted in pink gold with 25 mine-cut diamonds inlaid into intials. Green gold leaf motifs are mounted on each side of initials.
Badge: This is the badge of Joseph Maull Carey. Engraved in banners is "President Wyoming Stock Growers Assoc." Carey was W.S.G.A. president from 1883 - 1887. This is possibly the rarest and most historically important cattle association gold artifact known. Jeweler made, the large multi-piece, all gold badge is exceptionally large, nearly 3-3/4" from top to bottom. It has a cast (lost wax) and carved steer head central motif mounted onto 5 pointed star. Mounted on points of star in pink gold rope are five "running M" brands. (This is the official brand of the Association.) At the bottom of the badge mounted in pink gold is the figure "87" (1887). On the back of badge is "J.M. Carey" mounted in pink gold.
Steer head lapel or vest pin locket: This locket and pin combination was used to attach or anchor the watch chain to a vest. The locket is most likely a "hair locket." Motif is cast (lost wax) and sculptured gold steer head with inlaid cabochon garnet eyes. Locket face has ring for chain attachment.
The watch chain, kept in covered compartment, is 21 inches in length with double clasps for attachment to both watch and vest pin.
Judging from the style of workmanship, in all probability these artifacts would have been fabricated by a professional jeweler located somewhere in the cattle country such as in Cheyenne, Denver, or even Omaha.
The case, also judging by the workmanship, most likely was made for J.M. Carey to accommodate these artifacts somewhere in the East or Northeastern part of the United States where he often travelled. Only the watch exhibits signs of use. The badge and pin would have been worn only at special occasions such as Association meetings or at the Cheyenne Club functions. Carey was a baron of the club.
This complete assemblage may also represent the most extravagant use of gold ever for "Western American" artifacts. J.M. Carey, also referred to as "Mr. Wyoming," served as governor from 1911 - 1915. These artifacts have been extensively researched and we can send additional information upon request. See item 1701 for additional pictures - close-ups of the additional pieces. |
|
|
|
|
Click Here For
Top of Page
|
|
