African trade bead necklace strand of 9 Venetian glass feather beads.

These beads are usually described as Venetian, and they were made there in great numbers for the African trade. However, many years ago, I bought similar beads in Bristol where there was a large glass making industry in the 19th century. These beads are predominantly carnelian coloured glass with blue and white trailed feathered decoration. The trail work is almost akin to enamel.

Books referenced.

‘A Bead Timeline Vol.1 Prehistory to 1200CE’. James Lankton.
ISBN 0-97-25066-1-6

‘The Worldwide History of Beads’. Lois Sherr Dubin. ISBN 978-0-500-29177-1

‘Glass Beads from Europe’. Sibylle Jargstorf. ISBN 0-88740-839-7
‘Beads. A History and Collector’s Guide’. Stefany Tomalin.
ISBN 978-1-4456-5865-0

‘A Handbook on Beads’. W.G.N. van der Sleen. ISBN 2-87011-008-1

Dimensions: Beads 21mm to 26mm long x 9mms to 10mm diameters. (Nine beads))
Total weight: 24gms
Condition: Obvious signs of wear to surfaces with small surface chips to a few of the beads. Generally these are good. (S8)