Ziebarth's Auctions
Live Auction

Native American Art & Historic Militaria

Fri, Jan 16, 2026 11:00AM EST
  2026-01-16 11:00:00 2026-01-16 11:00:00 America/New_York Ziebarth's Auctions Ziebarth's Auctions : Native American Art & Historic Militaria https://bid.ziebarths.com/auctions/ziebarths-antiques/native-american-art-historic-militaria-21834
Ziebarth’s is pleased to present an important and wide-ranging auction featuring exceptional examples of Native American art and historic militaria, drawn from several distinguished private collections. We are pleased to offer in-house shipping for all lots in this auction.  Pre-bidding and absentee bidding are now open. The live online auction will take place Friday, January 16th at 10:00 AM CST / 11:00 AM EST. Bidding and full catalog details are available at Ziebarths.com. For additional information or condition inquiries, please contact info@ziebarths.com.
Ziebarth's Auctions ziebarthsantiques@gmail.com
Lot 154

Northwest Coast Polychrome Storage Chest with Abalone Inlay

Starting Bid
$1,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,500 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $1,000
$10,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
Measuring approx 22 x 11.5 x 13.5 inches. This exceptional Northwest Coast wooden storage chest is boldly decorated with classic formline imagery, centered by a powerful mask-like face across the front and lid. The composition is executed in traditional black, blue-green, and red pigments, accented throughout with inset abalone shell eyes and teeth, lending striking visual depth and ceremonial presence. The chest is constructed of solid planks with finely executed dovetailed corner joinery, a hallmark of quality craftsmanship. The lid is secured with original iron strap hinges and a leather pull tab at the front. The surfaces retain a rich, untouched patina, with surface wear, abrasion, and paint loss consistent with age and use, all of which contribute to the chest’s authenticity and visual appeal. Boxes of this type served both functional and cultural roles along the Northwest Coast, used for the storage of important personal possessions and ceremonial objects. The confident design, strong iconography, and use of abalone inlay suggest a work made around the turn of the 20th century, likely for domestic use within the community rather than for the tourist trade. A powerful and highly decorative example of Northwest Coast material culture, equally compelling as a sculptural object or historic artifact.

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Ziebarth’s Auctions is proud to offer in-house, hassle-free packing and shipping to anywhere in the world. Once auction invoices have been paid in full, Ziebarth’s Auctions will send winning bidders a separate shipping invoice within seven (7) business days. Once shipping invoices have been paid, items will ship within 5 - 10 business days. If buyers would like to receive a shipping estimate before bidding on an item, please send a shipping quote request to info@ziebarths.com at least 72 hours prior to an auction.

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