HEAVY 16oz KIRK SMITH Navajo CONCHO BELT Sterling Silver Revival Stamping buckle

Description

Signed Early
Kirk S
mith (d.September, 2012)
Navajo Sterling Silver Traditional Revival Style Concho Belt
with Deep Stamping and Repousse
5 Conchos + 6 Butterflies +1 Belt Buckle
Dimensions
5 Conchos
3.1" X 2.8" Sterling
6 Butterflies
2.8" X 1.75"
1 Belt Buckle
3.5" X 3.15" Sterling
The Thick Tan Leather Belt is 45" long and set up for a 30" to 38" waist right now. It can accommodate up to a 42" waist
517.4 grams = 16.63 Troy ounces Total Weight
The measurements are approximate and the 0 Bill and Quarter are for scale and not for sale
The Early Kirk Smith Traditional Revival Concho Belt
Description
This wonderful Large Revival Concho Belt was made by the famous and talented Navajo artist Kirk Smith. He started producing jewelry in about 1970. As a noted Native artist, his work is featured in several high end galleries and collections and in some of the major Native Jewelry catalogs and reference books. This is stamped with his early hallmark "KS" and "STERLING". It is guaranteed to be Sterling Silver and authentic. My guess is that this may have been made in the first decade of his career as it is an "early" hallmark.
He learned from some of the best, including his brother-in-law, the late Harry Morgan. I spoke with Tommy Jackson at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show about the "Antique Old Pawn Finish" that his late friend Harry Morgan developed and that several "Revivalist" smiths use. Kirk Smith used it too and he was with Calvin Martinez (another favorite of mine, especially with his Ingot pieces) when Kirk Smith met his tragic in 2012. He will be missed by many folks that knew him and loved his outstanding work.
This is guaranteed to be Sterling Silver and authentic. It is in great condition as you can see in the magnified eBay photos. It has a deep tarnish... I believe that you will be pleased!
The workmanship is exceptional and fine.
I love the deliberate and deep stamp work and the Repousse, especially on the Buckle. If am right about this Concho Belt being produced in the early 1970's, that would make this a very collectible early example of Kirk Smith's work.
The thick Sterling Silver plates are mounted on thick and supple leather.
Behind each of the 11 Conchas and Butterflies are sets of double copper straps that keep each of the pieces perfectly aligned and secure on the belt.
This is a highly desirable and iconic Kirk Smith piece of jewelry being offered to you. I hope you like it!
This Museum Quality Kirk Smith Concho Belt is a wonderful representation of a high period in the history of Native Jewelry. I'll be interested to learn if the new owner places this in a display case in their collection or actually enjoy taking it out and wearing it. It may be both...what would you do? When you take a look at the pictures, please take a few moments to inspect the Concho Belt carefully for the fine detail in both design and execution. Do to the limitation on the number of pictures allowed, I have not shown you details of every part.
If you like Navajo Concho Belts as much as I do, please feel free to take a look at the many others that I have for sale on eBay...including Harry Morgan.
I ship anywhere
in the United States
for free. I will pack this carefully for you so that the conchas do not rub up against each other in transit and it will get to you in the same condition that you see in the pictures. Insurance is included, of course...
New message to:
vailb.
...
Hello,
First, Best wishes on your engagement.
You picked a great one! I've got 100 concho belts listed and this one is tied for #1 in terms of most people watching.
Sorry . I have this listed as Fixed Price. I do offer discounts for multiple item purchases...but, that still does not quite do what you want...
Keep looking, there are lots of them out there. And, have a great life together
Thanks,
Kevin in Tucson
vai....
I love this belt for my wife to be. We don’t have a lot of money, would you consider 00. Thank you & my fingers are crossed
I thank You and look forward to sharing a good experience!
Recommended Reference Books - This artist is referenced if there is a page # shown below
"AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY I" - Gregory Schaaf - page
*"AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY II: A-L" - Gregory Schaaf- page 39*
"HALLMARKS OF THE SOUTHWEST"- Barton Wright - page
"THE LITTLE BOOK OF SOUTHWESTERN SILVER" - Billie Hougart - page 322
"ZUNI JEWELRY" - Theda and Michael Bassman
"ZUNI THE ART AND THE
PEOPLE VOLUMES 1-3" - Barbara & Ed Bell- Volume
**"INDIAN SILVERWORK OF THE SOUTHWEST, ILLUSTRATED - VOLUME 1" - pages 72-94
**This work is for general historical reference on the History of Navajo Conchas and Buckles
Inventory Reference C72