A rare Sioux Boy’s Pictorial Beaded and Fringed Hide Shirt is highlight of Heritage Auctions‘ the American Indian Art Signature Auction, scheduled for November 15th. This unique shirt, with a note on the hide tying it to the Battle of Little Big Horn, is estimated to fetch at least $30,000. It is part of the collection of Valentine ‘Val’ Pasvolsky, a famed numismatist with a passion for American Indian art. The 203 lots, comprising collection, forgotten for almost 20 years are expected to bring more than $125,000.
Former U.S. Army sergeant Pasvolsky was known throughout the numismatic world during the 1950s, 60s and 70s, winning top prizes at coin shows around the world. He also turned his home in Lakewood, New Jersey into a roadside attraction and museum known as The Indian Village Museum & Trading Post, displaying his vast collection of tribal art and artefacts.
Pasvolsky exhibited items from his collection at events across the country, often appearing with his entire family dressed in Native American garb. However, the remarkable collection was stored away for years and recently rediscovered by his grandchildren. Heritage American Indian Art specialist Delia E. Sullivan became the first expert to see the collection in almost 20 years when she was approached to examine it.
“It’s likely the hobby won’t see another collection like this for a decade or more,” Sullivan said. “There are some really wonderfully important things in this collection. A find like this only happens once or twice in a career.”
Other notable lots from the collection will include a pair of southeast beaded hide moccasins estimated at $20,000-$30,000; a crow painted parfleche medicine case priced at $7,000-$9,000; and and a plateau beaded hide cradleboard estimated at $8,000-$12,000.
