Got out with my buddy for a cold day of kayaking. He got the heartbreaker and I got the red bead. It was found near an old trade post that operated from about 1820-1840.

That's a real beauty of a gem. Any idea's of the origin?

Boating in the cold is for Penguins
The original owner of a string of those red beads must have been very pleased... ( even if it did take the trade of a whole season of Beaver pelts ! )

Good job.

What is that a little above and to the left of the red bead ??????????

Bill

Optical illusion. Here us another picture, you can see its a rock. A couple of people have spotted that thing, it worried me a little till I looked back at the other pictures

I have found a few of those beads at waters edge too. I think they come from spinner baits.

It very well could be a fishing bead. I have been doing research and found similar trade beads existed. It's different that any of the beads I've used for Texas or Carolina rigs when bass fishing, but could easily be an older version not used much anymore. If I had not found it at an old trade post I would certainly have discarded it. I'm pretty iffy about it one way or the other and will probably never be able to for sure say if it's (old).

Just my 2 cents, but the beads used on fishing rigs and spinner baits are plastic ...... That sure does not look plastic to me. I think your first thought on the id is correct ...... Plus look at all the other trade beads found nearby...........but that's just my thoughts by lookin at the pics.

Thanks dusty. There are actually glass beads used in fishing as well, I learned that during my research. All of the faceted fishing beads that I could find we're roundish and very uniform. Mine is pentagonal and has a few chips and imperfections. I appreciate the 2 cents and will keep everyone updated if I miraculously get a positive ID.

Love the heart breaker! Those amber colored agates are one of my favorites. You are right about the glass beads. My father collects antique fishing tackle. He has beads from the turn of the century thru the early 1940s. Most of them are made of glass. I'm going to look thru them and see if I can find something similar to compare yours with.