Sold: Nail Necklace

Folk art horseshoe nail necklace, probably blacksmith made, c. early 20th century. The necklace came out of the estate of a prominent folk art collector and was said to originate from upstate New York. It is composed of tapered iron nails meant for fastening horse shoes in place. Each of the carefully bent nails is sculpture when taken alone, and the effect linked together as chain and pendant is at once bold and delicate. Although a necklace of nails might sound painful, each link is worked to curl the point in onto itself, protecting the wearer from the sharp purpose of the retooled hardware. Exact age unknown, but the inventive design and craftsmanship evident in this necklace make it a timeless and a powerful piece of folk art.

Good antique condition, with some oxidization to iron.

Measurements

Chain 24 inches long

Pendant 4 1/2 inches long

Each nail 3/4 inch long

Shipping

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