Thanks Mike, but I’m just one of many on this forum. 
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Back with another belt buckle. This one has exceptional patina with just the right amount of wear on the repousse and edges. Good chance this buckle was originally made for personal use and not for commercial sale. One of my favorites.
Sterling or coin?, 4 1/8” x 3 1/2”, 102.3 grams, ca.1930-1940.
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Tom,
It’s understandable how this is one of your favorites. The beautiful patina, wear in all the right places, relatively simple stampwork, (not overdone with decoration) and execution of the opening altogether ratify your thoughts on this being made for personal use, I would certainly agree.
Another beautiful example of early, hand worked silver, and a wonderful addition to your collection.
Would you be willing to share a picture of the back of your buckle?
Regards,
Aaron
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Your photographs are always a pleasure to see, Tom. Thank you for sharing your buckle and for your efforts to produce pleasurable photos.
Regards,
Aaron
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Thanks Aaron. I’ll snap a pic of the backside tonight.
Thank you for sharing this, Tom. You’ve acquired a beautifully made, well aged example of fine silversmithing!
Regards,
Aaron
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Last buckle. This is a long story, so grab a sandwich and a drink. Don’t want anyone passing out. 
Early last year, I was finally able to find and purchase a Phase 1 “style” concho belt buckle from a reputable dealer for $750. The concho is round, which was my preferred shape since round conchos are much more rare, precede oval conchos, and I just think they look cool.
The dealer called the buckle a revival piece from the 1940s to 1960s, but I suspected it might be older due to certain features. The dealer said if the buckle could be verified as an original P1 concho, it would be priced at $2500 or more. The concho is 3 1/2" in diameter, 75 grams, coin silver (tested), and had been converted to a buckle decades ago. It came from an old Scottsdale estate.
When the buckle arrived, I was absolutely thrilled with it and immediately started comparing it to original P1 concho belts in Donald Richards’ book, A Study of Navajo Concha Belts. When I turned to page 321, I about fell off the chair! There, on page 321, was an original 1880-1900 Phase 1 concho belt of the same design owned by Jeff Ogg of Ogg’s Hogan. The conchos on his belt had the same dimensions, weight/thickness, stamp work, file work, rocker engraving around center opening, punched hole count, border scallop count, and even the same spotted patina pattern as my buckle.
After sending information and detailed photos to Jeff Ogg, we spoke at length on the phone. Jeff had no doubts that my buckle was a missing/extra concho off of his belt. He said his belt should have more than six conchos because of its unusual small size.
The book description states, “Leather appears old, but not necessary original”. Could be this belt started out with 7 conchos on a narrow strap, then later, a concho was removed to make the belt smaller, and the leather was replaced with the contoured strap shown in the book.
Ogg concho
TAH concho
Eventually, I added leather to the center slot and a leather backing.
Now for the rest of the story. In August, we were in Prescott and I was hoping to see Jeff’s belt in person because I saw it hanging in his store on a promotional video, as seen here on far right.
Unfortunately, as discussed on the forum, Ogg’s Hogan was completely gone with no sign of reopening. Needless to say, I was very disappointed. A few days later, we were at Cameron Trading Post. We first went to the high-end gallery that is located in a separate building. I looked in one of the display cases and saw this…
Jeff Ogg’s Phase 1 belt!!! I couldn’t believe it! Apparently, Cameron bought it at an auction in April. Anyway, I was able to examine it and verify my buckle is an exact match to the rest of the conchos!
Apologies for the long-winded story, but this buckle was an incredibly lucky find and being able to trace it back to the original belt is an incredible story in itself.
ETA: Belt is now listed on Cameron’s website:
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Well now I’m gonna be late! 
So you bought the rest of the belt huh? Just kidding! Amazing fortune to locate the original belt, twice!
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THUDDDD!! What a find, and what an outstanding exercise in research and authentication, plus a healthy sprinkle of serendipity. Inspiring! Huge congrats!
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That is AMAZING on every level! It’s a pretty dang incredible story, and I bet you were speechless when you saw that belt! I think I titled one of my previous posts, “Cameron Trading Post Never disappoints,” and that was the case for you also. Both Don and I remember those belts at Ogg’s. What a beautiful buckle, and I think it’s so good that it’s being worn! Wondering if you had that on at the Eiteljorg?
And this is a great post, not too long at all; no need for a sandwich here - just coffee and a piece of chocolate 
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The stars were lined-up for you to find Ogg’s Phase I concho belt again! Everything about your story is just wonderful as is your buckle. I applaud your tenacity in researching this concho belt. Congrats! It all paid off in your favor. (BTW, I nearly fell off my chair at the price of this Phase I concho belt 
.)
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No, I was wearing the center bar buckle I shared in the previous post. And for no other reason than it was already threaded through belt loops that day.
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I couldn’t remember which one you had on; I just remember thinking, “Oh! he’s wearing one of his awesome belt buckles.”
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Tom,
Thank you for sharing what proved to be a tremendous series of events!
This is a perfect example of what can culminate from a passion, the knowledge gained in pursuit of that passion, and trusting your gut. I find it difficult to express how happy I am for you that all of this came together the way it did. You’ve added not only a beautiful and historic piece to your fabulous collection, but a tale attached to it that is one for the ages. All other (my own included) belt/buckle pursuits seem a footnote to this! Congratulations Tom!
Regards,
Aaron
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Thanks Aaron, but I disagree with your thought above. There are so many wonderful examples of Native American buckles and other jewelry that have come from the minds of talented Native silversmiths since the mid-1800s. It is truly an artform that has continued to evolve. My Phase 1 buckle does have age on it and a great story, but it is rather simple in form. To me, your Phase 2 concho buckle demonstrates the next level of skill and workmanship, and is every bit as important in the world of Southwestern Indian silver.
Looking forward to seeing more of your collection!
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Tom,
I was simply conveying my excitement for you, shortly after reading your post, I was admittedly typing fairly quickly. 
I certainly agree with you and your following point [quote=“TAH, post:319, topic:9417”]
There are so many wonderful examples of Native American buckles and other jewelry that have come from the minds of talented Native silversmiths since the mid-1800s.
[/quote] I understand completely the effort, research, and dedication it takes to obtain earlier pieces. How your buckle came to be yours and the story in it’s entirety is just fabulous. Your buckle may be simple in form, but that, in my opinion, is what makes it so special, the earliest pieces were simple. I’m very happy for you and am glad you were finally able to get ahold of one!
Regards,
Aaron
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Received my copy today from Great Britain, and was impressed by the weight. It’s 7.2 pounds or 3.27kg. Wow.
Paid $90 or 82€, which is fair.
With $0.85/oz or $0.0055/ct it’s much cheaper than coin silver or Kingman turquoise.
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Glad you were able to purchase Richards’ book, gt75. The research and effort that went into the finished publication is mindboggling. Not only is it a fantastic resource for all things concho belts, but because of its weight, it can come in handy in case you need to anchor yourself during a tornado.
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Those are my favorite buckles so far, only steel. Wearing them a lot.
I am so much looking forward to be in the US next year, and get myself a really cool silver Navajo belt buckle with nice polychrome turquoise.
And sorry, there was very little sun this week, mostly grey sky. I will take photos of my Navajo treasure as soon as I can face some sunshine.
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