This trade silver brooch may have been given to James A. Purinton, Indian Agent serving at Old Town between 1860 and 1864. It most likely was made in Montreal, Canada.

The Wabanaki Indians traded furs for silver, as did many other tribes in the northeastern United States.

Indians bought or traded for silver and the silversmiths incorporated designs using Indian motifs in jewelry made for trade.

The double curve design used in this brooch was a popular Indian design.