Treasures from Our West: Agate brooch, Louisa Cody

Originally published in Points West magazine in Spring 2008

Louisa Cody’s agate brooch

Louisa Cody wore this fine agate brooch for many years. At first glance, one might think it shows the Deadwood Stagecoach, but look more closely: There are no cowboys here!

The tiny, detailed carving shows a royally-decorated coach pulled by a four-in-hand with a liveried driver and guard. In the second half of the nineteenth century, “coaching” was a sport in the eastern United States, with some drivers and routes becoming quite famous. In the early twentieth century, however, more crowded roadways and the advent of the automobile ended the sport, but this brooch may be a relic of those days.

Agate brooch given to Mrs. William F. Cody, i.e. Louisa Cody, and featuring a coach and four, ca. 1890. Hand-carved, 1 x .75 inches. Original Buffalo Bill Museum Collection. 1.69.335

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