Hi. I recently found this large, handsome Navajo thunderbird brooch, 2.3x2.5 inches, 33 grams. I think it might be pretty old. Not sure on age, ideas? Also given its weight and appearance might it be sandcast? Thoughts apreciated! Thanks much
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Hi Lin. I would call this native style. It may or may not be Navajo made. It’s definitely cast, but may be a lost wax ‘cast down’ from a sand cast original. Hard to tell from the photo, but it looks like there may be plating on this piece, which would point directly to a production setting as the origin of the piece. Old can mean different things depending upon temporal reference points. This particular piece does not look particularly old in the sense of predating modern production techniques. The turquoise looks like natural sleeping beauty cut for yield. We used to pay around 25 cents say 35 cents a carat for this grade of material in the 80’s and 90s. From the condition, the piece is unlikely to be much more than 20 - 25 years old.
I see what appears to be some green Verdi de gras on the back bottom of the tail. If I’m seeing it right that is usually an indication of silver over copper.
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Thanks! Helpful info.