American Antiquities. Auction Catalogue, January 8, 1898

A vivid snapshot of a late‑nineteenth‑century treasure trove, this auction catalogue presents a privately assembled collection of American antiquities that once filled the cabinets of a devoted collector. The inventory opens with prehistoric stone implements—celts, grooved axes, and spearheads—sourced from Ohio, Kentucky, and beyond, each noted for its material, size, and provenance. The pages also reveal an eclectic mix of cultural artifacts, from ceremonial wampum belts and pipe ornaments to rare idols from the Southwest and silver temple vases from the Andes.

Beyond the ancient tools, the catalogue showcases a striking array of Revolutionary and foreign weaponry—blunderbusses, pistols, swords, and exotic war clubs—each authenticated by the editor’s guarantee of genuine origin. Detailed entries list the stone’s hue, grain, and workmanship, offering collectors and scholars a meticulous record of craftsmanship across centuries.

For anyone interested in the early days of American archaeology, material culture, or the history of collecting, this volume provides a rare window into the tastes, scholarly standards, and market of 1890s New York. Its thorough descriptions and careful documentation make it both a reference work and a compelling portrait of an era’s fascination with the past.