Three pieces we can account for
The current Treasure Item Details research identifies three Art Smith objects from Bonhams auction 27287: Lot 111, the freeform sterling-silver ring ($1,785); Lot 114, the mixed-metal brooch ($1,530); and Lot 116, the Three Hole brass cuff ($3,570).
The accounting problem
Chapter 5 accounts for four Art Smith objects, leaving one item unidentified in the current research. Because the three identified objects all trace to the same October 12, 2021 Bonhams sale, every other Art Smith lot from that run is worth keeping in the candidate field unless stronger evidence eliminates it.
Why Lot 101 stands out as a working theory
Lot 101 is the “Half and Half” Modernist Necklace, circa 1950. The word half is potentially interesting in a clue-based book in which fractions may themselves function as clues. Separately, a Chapter 5 illustration has prompted a visual comparison with the necklace’s form. Those observations make Lot 101 especially interesting to investigate, but neither establishes that it is the fourth treasure item. The distinction matters: this is a hunter theory presented for inspection, not an identification.
Open Bonhams Lot 101 — Half and Half Modernist Necklace ↗
All remaining Art Smith possibilities from the sale
To avoid steering the conclusion, the list below retains the full remaining candidate field from the Art Smith run in Bonhams auction 27287, excluding only the three lots already identified in the treasure (111, 114 and 116). Each link opens that lot’s Bonhams page in a new tab so hunters can examine the original photographs and catalog information themselves. Where a concise object title was not established in the current research notes, the entry is intentionally labeled simply as an Art Smith jewelry lot rather than guessing.
No candidate is being declared the fourth piece. Lot 101 is highlighted because of the “Half and Half” clue theory and visual comparison, while the complete candidate field is preserved so other hunters can reach their own conclusions.
What would actually identify the fourth piece?
A convincing identification needs evidence connecting a particular object to the treasure: a receipt or invoice, auction or provenance record, photograph, sufficiently specific interview statement, or an overlooked detail in Chapter 5 that uniquely describes another Art Smith work.
Until such evidence appears, the missing piece should remain identity unknown, value unknown, and acquisition date unknown.
Community research
Community Contributions
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