Hi. Can anyone help me identify this cuff bracelet? It was probably purchased in New Mexico in the 1940s or 1950s. No maker’s mark or silver content mark is visible. I am hoping to learn whether it appears to be Native American (which group?), Mexican, or another SW style; approximate age; whether the turquoise appears natural or stabilized; and anything else you might be able to determine. See the attached pics; let me know if other photos or info would help.
Thanks for your insights.
What evidence do you have that it was purchased in the 40s or 50s? For example, do you have physical receipts or a pawn ticket with a description of the item, with a trading post or shop name with a purchase date, or are you operating on information and belief based on something you were told? Why don’t you start with telling us what your understanding is of the bracelet’s origin, and describe how you came to own it. These kinds of details are very important. Also, detailed close ups of the back portions of the bracelet are equally as important. The more information, and background you can provide, the better the chances someone here can help you.
Thanks. We don’t have much info. My mother in law worked on a dude ranch in the west during the 40s or 50s as a teen for a period of time and bought a few silver items. That’s all we know. (No documentation evidence.)
Thank you for elaborating. The shank and decorative shot elements look die struck. This impression is reinforced by an absence of solder joints where one would expect to see them on a completely hand fabricated piece. The bezels (where one does see clear evidence of solder joints) on the front side of the bracelet look like they were template or die formed, and attached to the bracelet in a separate soldering operation. The stones look like treated turquoise, probably color enhanced for matching, likewise look template cut. I would not characterize this as a hand made bracelet, although it does show clear evidence of hand crafting, and would avoid the 1940’s - 1950’s characterization completely in the absence of iron clad provenance dating the bracelet to that particular time.
This is a gorgeous Zuni-style “snake eye” 5-row bracelet, and highly collectible. sometimes you see similar in “Bell Trading” row bracelets, but those are completely flat on the inside and usually hallmarked. These with the individually formed shot (machine or otherwise) between each row have a much nicer look in my opinion. the vivid blue stones (stabilized or not) are KILLER. nice piece.
