Featured Thrift Find: African Trade Beads?

Today was made better by a little trip to the thrift, picked up a Franciel and a Liz Claibourne handbag for under 10e for the pair.

But the antique find of the day was this necklace. I almost put it back because I was thinking it was a crazy MC millefiori necklace that was fun but unneccessary. Glad I did a quick lens search first! I found identical beads that were described/listed as late 19th trade beads. I know nothing about this kind of thing, so is this correct? Theres a chip or two on a couple, but in general good condition. Its an older barrel clasp that might have been restrung onto a fishwire plastic string.
I paid 2e, so its not a huge investment either way!
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Trade beads are still being made in the same way, at least the bigger ones. OTOH for 2 Euros you couldn't lose. Modern beads are worth more than that.

 

Oops sorry Evelyb! Glad to know I won't be making a loss whatever their age haha. These are modern then?

 

I honestly have no idea. I'd say 70s/80s if they were made at the same time as the clasp. There isn't much wear, but if these were on raffia in a drawer there wouldn't be.

 

Oh okay interesting. I was thinking they must have been either strung or restrung sometime in the 50s with the clasp, but that's a newer version then?

 

Looks it, but who knows.

 

They sold for 31.50 this morning. I'll have to look out for more!