40-50s Navajo Concho Belt
Native American Concho Belt
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This belt was owned by my parents that started collecting Native American jewelry in the early 1950’s. They did travel around the Arizona, Utah and New Mexico areas so probably purchased it in that region. They owned this belt since the 1950’s or at the latest the early 1960’s.
I believe this belt is made from coin silver due to the way the backs of the Conchos look in texture and color. I believe it was made in the 1940's; possibly earlier. There is a signature of what may be a TH with the signature leaning to the left. I researched Bille Hougart's Native American and Silver Hallmarks book and was not able to find this signature. I also looked on some well known and respected websites and could not find the signature. The silver did turn blue on the testing stone when testing with acid but I think I can see what may be copper coming through in some areas of the pieces; especially on the bands that hold the Conchos onto the belt. The lighter mark on the back of the buckle is apparently where the price tag was when my parents bought it. The leather belt is quite worn and needs a good cleaning. The Conchos need a cleaning as well but I will leave that up to the buyer. Some people don't like their items cleaned or polished. There are 8 small Conchos and the buckle as well.
The stamp work is beautiful on these Conchos. The turquoise is a beautiful lighter to medium blue with dark matrix. They are all in very good condition. I do not see any chips or cracks.
The belt measures approximately 39" long. The buckle measures around 3 1/2" across and 2 1/2" high. The Conchos measure around 2 1/4" across and 1 3/4" high. Please see photos. They are hard to measure as they are not perfectly flat but concave. The weight is 296 grams. I feel it is Navajo due to the design of the Conchos and the region it came from. It has been well loved and still has a lot of life left! This is original and authentic and not a reproduction like you will see on many websites! I'm offering Free Not in store, Online only. Shipping in the U.S.A. only. No international shipping. Thank you!