These are most unusual pieces in that they are still intact and have not been split or cut up for various decorating projects. The pair was meant to hold back many yards of heavy brocade or velvet drapery probably over a center archway. The thick -as -your -finger braided cord extends in a loop about 16 inches to either side and is pulled through a hollow barrel shaped piece which has been first covered with silk thread and then a crocheted net and topped off with a center trim of silk and metallic thread. More braid then extends down to the center bell-shaped tassel, again with silk thread base, crochet covering and metallic trim. From the body of the tassel extends 5” of thick fringe alternately gathered and tied to create mini tassels . The color, gently faded over time, are muted blue-green, gold and cream. The only defect is a splotch of paint about 1” long on the braid of each piece which surely could be removed. All in all a pretty impressive piece of handiwork which may be an early piece from The French firm of Haute Houles, the absolute finest makers of these fringed decorators'items. Our pair is in the style of one of their most popular lines, ST. GERMAIN.