Post #494862 by Trader Tom on Fri, Nov 20, 2009 2:19 PM

One last post on the clubs...

In answer to Tiki David's question about authenticity, you can never be totally sure unless you have the provenance (history of a piece). The e-Bay one I posted above is certainly a nice reproduction and will probably go for hundred of dollars. The one below, however, is one of the rare 200 originals still floating around and worth many thousands of dollars.

Origin: Polynesia, Marquesas Islands (Provenance: Ex. Carlo Monzino Collection. Sotheby's New York lot 29 Nov. 2004. Ex. Joel Cooner, Dallas Texas)

Period/Date: Second half of the 19th century

Materials: Hardwood

Description: This is an exemplary example of a transitional U'U club. In 2004 it sold for $11,400 against an estimate of $5000-$7000. Finely incised clubs like this were often carried by Marquesan chiefs as an insignia of rank and status. It is in excellent condition with some minor loss and hairline age cracks. Presented on a custom acrylic display stand. Refer to the Sotheby's description on page 43.

Dimensions: Length 38.5" (95.5 cm), Width 5.5" (14 cm)