Iroquois Whimseys
These fanciful beaded things were made from approximately 1890-1930,
with a few families making them until the present date. The Iroquois lived
in the Niagara Falls region, and the whimseys were often brought home as
honeymoon souvenirs. Common shapes are match and whiskbroom holders, picture
frames, pincushions, and hanging hearts. They are often decorated with
dates, aphorisms, flowers, or all of the above. (All measurements do not include handles or fringe.)
We are currently representing the Tom and Kathy Wegman collection of whimseys, some of which are shown on this page. To see more items from the collection, click here.
Currently in stock ...
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| Whimsey bird with unusual multicolored berries in its mouth and perch, c. 1900-1910. Ex-Wegman collection. Very graceful arched beadwork on the wings. Very good condition. 7" long. $295 (BD TW/87) Inquire/Order | 4-sided hanging urn with flags, c. 1918-20. A rare form, most likely made just after the end of World War 1 judging from the crossed American and British flags on one side. Not a Wegman piece, but an extraordinary whimsey that would be a fine addition to any collection. Very good condition. 6" high. SOLD (BD 2478) Inquire/Order | Tri-lobe heart-shaped pincushion with an outlined cat, c. 1920. The only whimsey we have seen with the silk corduroy background, and a very interesting twisted edging along the edge. Ex-Wegman collection. Very good condition. 7 1/2" x 8". $595 (BD TW/48) Inquire/Order |
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| Whimsey bird with one of the most outrageous berry and perch systems we have ever seen, "1909". Just an amazing bird. Ex-Wegman collection. Excellent condition. 7 1/4" long. $595 (BD TW/91) Inquire/Order | Diamond-shaped pincushion with an bird, "Brockton Fair 1936". Ex-Wegman collection. Excellent condition. 8" x 8". SOLD (BD TW/33) Inquire/Order | Oversize whimsey canoe with a flag, "Fast Boat 1906". Ex-Wegman collection. 8" long. Very good condition. $495 (BD TW/47) Inquire/Order |
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| Great hanging box purse with flowers, flags and an elk head, c. 1920s. The silk background is quite unusual and striking. Ex-Wegman collection. Very good condition (slight wear to the silk on one side). 5 1/2" x 5" x 4 3/4". $695 (BD TW/39) Inquire/Order | Iroquois whimsey scissors holder, c. 1940s. An unusual form, in excellent condition. Beautiful colors. 6 3/4" x 4 1/4". SOLD (BD 2507) Inquire/Order | Wonderful whimsey broom holder with a long-necked goose, "1914". Ex-Wegman collection. Excellent condition. 8" x 8". $395 (BD TW/59) Inquire/Order |
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| Iroquois whimsey in a very rare wide-topped whiskbroom holder form, c. 1900. The only one like it we have ever seen. Very good condition. 8" x 7 1/4". $395 (BD 2381) Inquire/Order | Iroquois whimsey matchholder with great tube beaded designs, "1903. Excellent condition. 7" x 8 1/2". $250 (BD 2359) Inquire/Order | Iroquois whimsey horseshoe, "Think of Me", c. 1905. Excellent condition. 5" X 5 1/2". $195 (BD 2501) Inquire/Order |
