American Figural Cigar Lighter/Match Holder, circa 1880s

Very rare and unusual piece, a sterling silver "note holder" fronted by an Indian Chief on the front in high relief. A bale on top provides for a necklace and hanging as a decorative piece of jewelry. Other decoration on the front includes a tomahawk and a peace pipe criss-crossed beneath the Indian. The back is plain with a decorative "repousse" floral border, and "sterling" clearly marked in the lower left (see image). It is 2 7/8" high  x 2" wide resembling and in the style of a match safe; probably manufactured by Unger Bros. of Newark, New Jersey, circa 1880, but difficult to observe all of the surfaces because of the frontal "notes" in permanent place. A note holder would have been used to write down reminders and/or notations by the user; the surfaces appear to be a celluloid type material. Condition is excellent with six notes intact; a very slight "crease" to the back side; hardly noticeable (see image). Appropriate Americana for the discerning collector with a Western Native American...

Very attractive and well-made decorative and colorful Staffordshire porcelain money box or savings bank; made in England, indicative of the style potters from that region employed, circa 1880. Nicely detailed with green floral facie, orange double pane windows and front door, and a white painted cottage with brown steps and green fauna at entry. There were no "coin traps" or provisions for coin removal so banks such as these are rare since smashing or breaking the bank was the only method by which the money could be retrieved. The bank is in very good all original condition with only a minor "hairline" repair to one of the chimney stacks (see image). It is very sound and done a long time ago and is hardly noticeable. Being a cross collectible, this would be a very unique addition for a Staffordshire collector indeed (the subject being a money box), or a welcome compliment to any still bank...