June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
Finely painted oval miniature on ivory. A bust portrait of Rezin Bowie depicted in a dark coat and tie with a silver-knob cane under his arm. Set in an original period gold locket mount, the rim and suspension ring chased with leafage. Gold mount covers entire reverse of miniature and has a pierced glazed compartment, probably for a lock of hair. Complete with jeweler's box of brown leather with a purple silk-lined interior with gold jeweler's stamped "E.A. TYLER/115 CANAL ST./NEW ORLEANS/JEWELRY/& SILVER WARE". Top of case stamped in gold script lettering "Bessie Moore". Possibly painted by William H. Coutant, who painted miniature portraits in New Orleans in the 1830's and is known to have painted a portrait of Rezin Bowie's wife, Margaret. Excellent condition. Paint is excellent, showing no damage or fading. Frame retains a dark patina with a few minor dents and scratches on convex back. Box has scuffs on lid and a few minor tears to interior. PROVENANCE: This item was sold June 26, 2001 in San Francisco, California by Butterfields as part of "The Bowie Collection: Historic Paintings and Arms from the Succession of Muriel Verner Moore". Moore is a descendant of Rezin Bowie and the item remained in the family prior to this 2001 sale.