Hi there, many, many years ago a boyfriend gave me some Navajo pieces from his collection, all of it bought in the US when he lived there in the 1960/70s. (I’m in Scotland.)
I wore the belt all the time for a long time but it has been in a drawer for years now. Now,
I am trying to raise funds for a hip operation and am digging out any valuables that I might be able to sell. (Our NHS can’t cope with all us oldies needing new joints, unfortunately.) Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I have, I think, established that the belt is First Phase, but that is about it. I looked for a maker’s mark or signature and there is something, barely legible on the buckle - could be Audie? - but it could just be some unintentional markings. There is nothing else like it on any of the actual conches, though, which is why I wonder if it could be meant.
Please see the pics. The leather pieces are all original, I believe. But of course they could have been change since the belt was made. Dunno.
Welcome to the forum. You are correct, your belt is First Phase style due to the open cutouts in the conchos for the leather strap to pass through. The belt is a revival piece meaning it was made after the “original” First Phase time frame of around 1870 to around 1920. Reviving this old style has been commonly seen since the beginning of the Second Phase to present day.
Typically, original First Phase belts have a small, plain, harness buckles, not larger, fancy buckles with the same stamp work as seen on the conchos.
Your belt was likely made in the 1960s or 1970s when your boyfriend bought it. It’s a great looking piece made by an expert silversmith. Thank you for sharing it with us!
I agree with @TAH that your belt would be classified as a First Phase Revival. His reasoning and explanation is most accurate. I would also be inclined to think that it was crafted in the 60’s or 70’s. There are certain design elements that are relatively prevalent in revival pieces, in particular, the buckle. Below are some comparable examples to your belt. While there are obvious differences in stampwork and certain design elements, there certainly exists resemblance. Personally, I’m not prepared to say that I’m in agreement with the daring of a couple of these, but that’s simply my opinion.
Concerning the marks you made note of on the back of your buckle, in my opinion, it doesn’t appear to be a hallmark. It looks as though it’s raised from the surface of the buckle, as opposed to being stamped or pressed into it as with negative relief. In the “1950’s Sterling Silver Concho Belt” listing from Western Trading Post shared above, it’s buckle has similar marks, in an almost identical location, albeit closer to the scalloped edge than yours.
@mmrogers, what do you make of the marks on the reverse of Lisa’s buckle, does it look cast to you?
Thank you for sharing your lovely concho belt, Lisa. It’s beautifully made and a wonderful example. I’m particularly fond of the leather backings on the buckle and conchos. If you are indeed looking to sell it, and/or other pieces, one option would be to contact galleries/dealers that welcome consignment and are willing to valuate single pieces or entire collections. The following link contains contact information for such people and vetted establishments.
To answer your question. Aaron. These markings look to me like transfer from the surface of the anvil upon which the pieces were tooled. These anvils often have negative tool marks from hammer strikes, and especially from errant design stamps. I see partial impressions from simple curved stamps in these areas, from stamps leaving partial negative impression in the anvil, which are then expressed as positive impressions in the silver as the opposite surfaces are tooled from the top. Note that these impressions concentrate in the areas most heavily tooled on the opposite or front side of the concho.
Hi TAH, Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me and for that information. The whole vast subject is absolutely fascinating and I have enjoyed learning more about the history and culture of the amazing work of these silversmiths and the many beautiful works of art they have created. Unfortunately, rather than sell my belt, it just makes me want to become a collector, which I definitely can’t afford these days! Ah well, I can always look and admire…
Hello Ravenscry, thank you so much for taking the time to reply and adding to TAH’s response. It is great to know all of this. You all sound like your breadth and depth of knowledge on the subject is immense. Thanks so much again. All the very best, Lisa
Thank you so much for your insight into the ‘signature’ question. Yes, the more I look at it, the more it just looks like accidental random marks. Gosh, you all sound like you really know your stuff! All the best, Lisa
There’s certainly no need to apologize! Either is fine by me!
I’d like to thank you for your polite demeanor and kind words. There are many knowledgeable members here who are happy and willing to help those that honestly desire furthering their own knowledge. Whenever you find the spare time, going back through older posts and reading as much as you can stand will serve your interest and passion well.
If you are indeed looking to sell it, and/or other pieces, one option would be to contact galleries/dealers that welcome consignment and are willing to valuate single pieces or entire collections. The following link contains contact information for such people and vetted establishments.