Congratulations on this awesome buckle, Tom! A truly unique piece for a great price!
It makes for an unrivaled dress belt, and is just pure class. The thunderbird is tastefully executed and I really like the simple, sleek design of the buckle in it’s entirety. It’s Navajo Guild and White Hogan-esque. The turquoise in the wings is beautiful, and really pops against the oxidized silver.
The hand-made swivel bar is a special element of this one, I feel. Your execution of modifying the leather to accept this beauty is top shelf work, as always, it exudes care and attention to detail.
Thanks for sharing this, and the great photos as well. Looking at the belt laying on your suit, it appears you’ve returned from the dig and are off to the museum for the opening night of your exhibit!!
How about Arm Strengthening Elements & Wrist Adornment?
Thinking back, I was frequently dispatched to the guidance counselor’s office in high school…
In all seriousness, both you, @Ziacat, and @TAH needed not my “questionable influence” in your considerations, both of you have exceptional taste!!!
Fascinating piece, congrats. It immediately made me think of the Hopi-style but not Hopi work done for Dean Kirk’s trading post and at Woodard’s, with overlay and flush inlay turquoise. This article by Pat and Kim Messier mentions an un-hallmarked belt buckle by Willie Yazzie, unfortunately not shown. But look at the bolo on left, and the Navajo-made, Hopi-style pieces sold by Woodard’s farther down in the article. Maybe a wild guess but maybe at least a cousin to these pieces.
Thanks for the nice comments, everyone. Not expected, but appreciated.
Thanks for your thoughts and the link, @chicfarmer. I guess anything is possible. This 1950s Willie Yazzie Pueblo bird belt buckle does feature similar appliqué, stylized design elements as found on my buckle.
Dang it!!! I collected antique and vintage ladies’ compacts for years but, never came across one with a Native American motif let alone one featuring turquoise. That compact would’ve been mine in a heartbeat.
You’re talking my language, Tom! Great minds think alike. I’ve been thinking about doing an engraved 1911 with a Thunderbird motif. I’m happy to tackle it if you want one!
Whew…I thought I’d take a few minutes to pursue this thread again before asking my question…almost 2 hours later and I’m utterly gobsmacked at the quantity and quality posted here!
This is a belt a friend of my husband’s bought for his wife a while back. He recently passes away and his wife asked my husband if I can give her any information about (I can’t), or I’d I was interested in buying it (I’m not). Anyway, as it’s totally different from the more vintage belts I have, I thought I’d run it past the group. Looks like it’s never been worn or it’s a new leather. I’m unable to find the hallmark in Hougard or online resources. Any thoughts would be appreciated:
@Bmpdvm From an online search, I came upon a sterling silver link concho belt with the same RBM hallmark. Stated the maker is “Navajo artist Roy Manuelito”. Just wanted to share this info. (asking price on belt is $2500.00)
ETA: There are 2 Manuelito(Navajo) names listed in my Hougart’s book - neither are Roy.
ETA: First name is “Roy” not Robert. That was my error.
Thanks @patina and @Ravenscry! You guys rock! Robert or Roy… I’ll try to find out a bit more about them. That link belt certainly looks like the same maker! Guess I didn’t look hard enough!
How about Arm Strengthening Elements & Wrist Adornment?
