World Record $2 million Tlingit Helmet Sold at Fairfield Auction

OIn May 18th, 2008 Fairfield Auction established a world record for a Native American object with a final sales price of $2.185 million for this very early and rare helmet. The Tlingit people reside along the Northwest Coast of North America and their art is considered among the finest of all tribal cultures. This particular helmet probably dates to the 18th century and is possibly the best example extant.

Gallery owner Jack DeStories discovered the helmet during a regular appraisal event. The owner, who brought the carved spruce helmet "just to find out what it was" had it on a shelf for some thirty years, never knowing its importance, was understandably astonished at the results. The sale was reported by several television stations and over sixty newspapers world-wide and placed Fairfield Auction along with Sotheby's, Christies and Bonhams as the only auction houses in North America to surpass $2 million on a single antique object.

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