18th century African trade beads lot

lot of 3 strands of African trade beads purchased from a retailer from Republic of Congo. these are said to be 17 or 1800s monochromate; some of the first dated African trade beads known to history textbooks. I have not had them carbon dated I have not had the time, I've just been holding on to these and so has my past generation for the last 40 plus years. all I know is they were purchased at a gym show on the East Coast. lost contact with the wholesaler from Congo about a decade ago. glass. selling is a lot of four strands.