VINTAGE NAVAJO OLD PAWN 1ST PHASE COIN SILVER NAT TURQUOISE CONCHO BELT 1930-50

Origin: Navajo Nation, Southwestern United States Era: Circa Late 1930s–Early 1950s Material: Coin Silver (.900) and Natural Turquoise Construction: Hand-stamped, repousséd, and hand-forged conchos on original leather strap Length: 33 5/8" From end of belt to center of buckle Total Conchos: 8 (7 plus 1 buckle) and 7 bows This piece is a fine example of authentic Old Pawn Navajo silversmithing, dating from the transitional period between the 1930s and early 1950s. Each concho and bow spacer is entirely hand-wrought from heavy-gauge coin silver and features deeply pressed stamp work executed with individual steel dies. The turquoise cabochons are irregular and natural, set in hand-cut bezels that predate the use of calibrated or stabilized stones found in post-war tourist trade jewelry. The belt retains its original square-buckle design with a hand-cut tongue and a visible hammer-forged pin, consistent with traditional bench techniques rather than later commercial manufacture. The absence of a “Sterling” mark or trading-post hallmark is typical of personal-use and pawn pieces, created for wear within the Navajo community rather than for tourist sale through the Fred Harvey Company. The surface exhibits a mature, natural patina with soft oxidation in recessed areas, further confirming its age and authenticity. Stamp patterns, including the distinctive “sun-eye” or “naja-eye” motif, are consistent with pre-mid to mid-century Navajo stylistic traditions associated wi