Love the stampwork on this belt, and especially the radial line central inner border created with the distinctive “dog bone” stamp. I’ve always loved that look, and Manuelito has done an incredible job with it. For the amount of workmanship, and materials the referenced value of $1500 seems outdated and underpriced by at least a decade or so.
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Awesome find @Steve!! Both @Bmpdvm and I love that store. Those guys (the owners) know what they’re doing. @mmrogers, it’s possible that’s an old certificate. I couldn’t find the belt on their site now, and on their YouTube channel all the videos are at least 9 years old (although I didn’t see the belt on there - they don’t have videos for every item).
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Thanks mmrogers…I think my husband said he was told they paid around $2K. It’s a smaller belt, but very clean classy design; I thought it was nice workmanship, but I appreciate your knowledgable imput!
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Your husband did very well. At today’s metals and labor values, 2K is still a terrific bargain for this belt 
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A certain concho belt has been the subject of many a discussion between @TAH and myself, and we’ve both admired this particular example for years.
Fueled by a burning curiosity to learn the belt’s history, I called the gallery in Arizona that has been it’s caretaker for decades. John Atkinson, who owns and operates Spirit of Santa Fe in Tucson with his son and granddaughter, was an absolute pleasure to speak and deal with. As a result of many phone calls and emails, I felt duty bound to pace it under my care.
The Atkinson family has a long and colorful history in New Mexico and Arizona, and the following link has some insightful, entertaining info.
On one of the first phone calls, John told me that his father, Jake, had dealings with C.G. Wallace early on, and that at the gallery, they’ve got a display containing much of his mother’s and father’s jewelry. From what he shared and photos I’ve seen online, it’s most certainly a place I need to visit.
Unfortunately, John wasn’t able to provide an abundant amount of history pertaining specifically to the belt. He shared that his uncle Herman had originally collected it. He also told me that Herman served in WWll, was a very quiet and reserved man of few words, and that perhaps due to his quiet nature, he was highly trusted by all that came to know him. Apparently when Herman passed, his wife had called John and requested that he come take possession of Herman’s things. While going through his uncle’s belongings, he found this belt wrapped in tissue inside of a small box, with a tag labeling it “Early second phase, ingot silver, 1890-1910”. It’s been hanging in Spirit of Santa Fe’s gallery since.
Initially, more than being concerned with and wanting to discuss the belt, I desired to listen to John talk. As he is getting on in years, I felt he would have much to share and discovered that he’s an exceedingly passionate individual. It was such engaging and moving conversation, and we found ourselves discussing how a piece feels rather than looks. I admitted my habit of firstly paying attention to how a piece is made rather than the overall presentation, looking for tool marks, differences in depth of chiseling/stamp work and height of repoussé, quality of a casting, etc., and John remarked that he finds himself doing the same, thinking that perhaps the smith performed some of the more pronounced work early in the day, and that maybe the lighter strikes were performed when he was tired and the sun was setting. 
He shared a not-so-surprising abundance of attempted purchases of the belt, and that in all the years he’s had it displayed, he’d yet to feel comfortable selling it to those that showed interest. It wasn’t about selling it or the transaction itself, John was most concerned with where it’s trail would lead. (Jokingly) It almost felt like I was applying for a job, and I have @TAH to thank and bestow credit upon for aiding me in doing so, and for his willingness to provide a character reference.
All of that leads me to sharing these photos of, what I feel, is an early transitional belt, perhaps crafted in the far reaches of Navajo land, and what could be this smith’s first project utilizing the technique of soldering for securing the copper loops to the conchos.
Navajo, ca. 1890-early 1900’s, 690 grams of ingot coin silver
There’s more to come concerning this one. At some point in its long life, the buckle’s prong has gone missing. I considered getting back into metal detecting and heading west, but rather quickly dismissed that idea. So I’m in the process of making a new one, as well as reworking an older leather belt, performing both in the interest of being able to wear it, which is important to me.
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I can’t believe John actually bought into the character reference that I provided. It must have been when I told him you have offered lawn work and baby sitting services for the members of this forum.
You all won’t want to miss the second part of this story. 
Quitter! 
Aaron, needless to say, this belt is the “new” pinnacle of your collection. Heck, I even posted it in the Turquoise Discoveries thread because it was the best early Second Phase belt I had ever seen on the open market. To me, this belt is perfect in every way! Love the straight-forward design of the buckle and conchos, rough finish throughout, all of the imperfections, and the well-worn leather that has basically molded to the silver from years of use. Just a magnificent piece of Navajo hand-worked silver and history all strung together in one beautiful package! Congrats on a very fine acquisition! 
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It had to have been, John inquired as to my landscaping ability and what methods I employ to calm a fussy newborn.
As a teaser, the tufa cast, coin silver ingot is just over halfway through being drawn out and forged to shape.
Your enthusiasm is contagious, Tom. I’m honored to have the ability to care for this one, and feel it is a rather special piece.
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Congratulations on your new to your concho belt. I truly enjoy hearing about your entire experience. Thank you for sharing this with us.
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My knowledge on concha belts is limited - although it has increased a lot due to the knowledge you two gentlemen have shared - but I can see this belt is a treasure. I especially love the look of the buckle, and like that you showed a picture of it on its side. There’s something about it that’s just really appealing; it’s slight imperfections (for lack of a better word) make it perfect. One thing I wasn’t familiar with before I joined the forum was the leather backing shaped to the size of the conchos and buckle. And gosh, I love that old leather too; makes it even better.
How special to have learned more about it’s story. And fun to imagine where it might have originated. I can imagine what a pleasure it was to talk to Mr. Atkinson. It was his son JD who said that my snake buckle was made by Juan Calavaza so I was interested in hearing about your conversation.
Thank you for posting this amazing belt!
Wait, what? You do lawn care? Hmmmm…
Edited for correction of name. Oops!
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As is mine. Although, I am an expert on what looks good. 
Your thoughts were a truly pleasurable read, Zia, thank you for your kind words. I agree with you and Tom that the imperfect chisel work, and rough, rugged appearance of the silver is a big part of making this belt what it is. The leather that’s been so deeply worn and eventually formed in shape to the silver just really sets it off.
After reading this, I recall you mentioning it, and it’s so cool! Unless you’ve already checked it out, I thought you’d enjoy the link. It’s got a lot of neat trading post history, as it applies to John’s family.
Thanks for that, @TAH. Sure Zia, just let me know when you’d like me to swing by.
On second thought, I’d prefer not to be mowing the lawn when Don gets home from work, which is liable to result in a Forensic Files episode concerning my disappearance.
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I just now had time to read it, thanks for the link. I had googled, and found some information on the family, but hadn’t seen that article. I just love the stories of the old trading posts. Makes me sad that many are gone, but at least in some cases family members are keeping them going. The knowledge we get from talking to these owners is so valuable. Isn’t it fun knowing your belt has so much history? Not just regarding the hands that made it, but also it’s links to this trading post family.
Britwest would love to get her hands on the leather on your belt
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Thank you, @here4turquoise!
The pursuit itself, and the conversations/experiences we gather in our endeavors, are just as much treasures as the pieces themselves. 
Well, at least most of the time. 
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Glad I could help! I was happy to offer your services and do whatever it took to make sure John was comfortable placing his belt under your care. 
You’re a stand up guy, Aaron. I’ll let you know when our daughter needs help with her newborn.
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I’m guilty of daydreaming about the early trading days and romanticizing the whole concept, it’s definitely fun to think about!
It is, and it’s important to learn as much as possible, I feel, so that it can be shared.
It boggles the mind, really. The Atkinsons have quite the story! I also find it fun thinking about the trail this belt has traveled. If only our treasures could talk. 
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Or when you and your wife need a break!
And with @TAH’s public announcement, I’d like to congratulate him and his wife on their first grandchild! Congrats Tom!! 
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Congratulations! My dad used to say he liked being a grandpa, he just wasn’t so sure about being married to a grandma 
fortunately my mom had a great sense of humor…
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This is so true. We are so fortunate to have this forum to share our experiences with each other. Many thanks to @Jason.
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This belt is gorgeous. I’ve been to Spirit of Santa Fe several times; I found my first squash there and one of my favorite rings. I no doubt saw this belt and averted my eyes to prevent myself from lusting after something I didn’t truly appreciate (yet!) and most definitely couldn’t afford to add to my collection (in my brain, a belt like this is a bazillion dollars ). Congratulations on such a magnificent piece.
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Very cool! Did you happen to deal with or speak to either John or JD?
I know better than this now. I still admire this buckle of yours and hope it’s receiving a serious amount of wear.
Thank you for your kind words Blythe.
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@Ravenscry most often I’ve been helped by the ladies at Spirit of Santa Fe. But i believe it was JD who modified a ring for me and repaired a pair of earrings. Everyone is always extremely helpful.
And now that the buckle is on the belt customized to fit it, I do wear it quite often. Thanks!!
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