XL 3+ozt. signed FRANK PATANIA BELT BUCKLE with Oval TURQUOISE Sterling Silver

Description

Old Frank Patania's Thunderbird Shop
Sterling Silver Belt Buckle
Extra Large Oval Turquoise
signed with the "Thunderbird" Hallmark, ''STERLING'', and "FP"
Dimensions
3.03" X 2.27"
will accept a belt up to 2.0" wide
101.7 grams = 3.27 Troy ounces
(all measurement are approximate)
The US Quarter (.95"=24mm) and 0 Bill (2 5/8"=66mm) X (6 1/8"=155mm) are for scale
XL Frank Patania Thunderbird Shop Belt Buckle
This wonderful Sterling Silver Belt Buckle was made in the famous Frank Patania Thunderbird Shop. It is properly hallmarked and was possibly made as early as the 1940's, or since then, as that is when they first used his "FP" Hallmark.  *Please See the Link Below.
It is Large, Heavy, and Thick, with wonderful design elements. I especially like the Extra Large Oval Turquoise, and its contrast to the
molten "Slag" Sterling Silver that forms the background and surround for the Turquoise and the thick beveled frame. There is also deep relief background that was created using the "Overlay Technique" at the base of the Buckle. I hope you Love it!
The Belt Buckle was executed using very substantial materials. The thickness of the Sterling Silver and the fit of the hardware are impressive and you will notice the quality and design precision every time you pick it up. You may consider that this is perhaps the right size Buckle for everyday occasions. It is big and it is versitile in its style.
A note about Patania and Thunderbird Shop Hallmarks
Frank Patania Jr. has been living in Tucson, Arizona with his wife Donna for many years. I visited with them recently and Frank was kind enough to take the time to share his portfolio of pictures with me. It contained pictures of major pieces of jewelry, and everything from religious articles, to contemporary beadwork. I also saw recent jewelry creations that ranged from a primitive tufa cast ring (that just happened to fit me perfectly) to a ring that would be quite cherished by the head of state of Vatican City!
Frank kindly took the time to clear up some misunderstandings that I had along with other members of the jewelry collecting community. Donna and Frank encouraged me to spend some time becoming familiar with an article Frank Jr. wrote in August of 1992 in collaboration with other Patania family members in an effort to set the record straight on the use of various Hallmarks by his family. He assured me today that it is, "Subject to revision in the future" but is the best source that there is, or as Frank says in the article, "I believe that we are the most qualified to present the history of our hallmarks". Here is the link to an informative and entertaining story written by Frank Patania Jr.
"A History of the Patania and Thunderbird Shop Hallmarks"
eBay policy has required me to remove the link to the article...but you can Google it.
Frank Patania Sr.
It is believed that Patania was born in 1899 or 1900 in Mesina, Italy. He came to New York about 20 years later and became infected with Tuberculosis in his early 20's and then moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico for the perceived therapeutic environment of the dryer Southwest. In 1927, he opened his "Thunderbird Curios Shop" that later became the famous "Thunderbird Shop". He ran it with his wife Aurora. They had three children.
As a jewelry designer, his move to Santa Fe was quite dramatic for him. Billie Hougart stated, "...Patania established a style of handcrafted Southwest American jewelry by blending European silversmith technology with Native American design, a combination that would provide a foundation for excellence in style and artisanship."
In 1937 a second "Thunderbird Shop" was opened in Tucson, Arizona. In 1964 Frank Patiania Sr. died and the Santa Fe shop closed. It was reopened by his son Frank Patania Jr. in 1968. Frank Patania Jr. had a son named Sam in 1959 and he still lives in Tucson. All three Patania's works are on permanent display at the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery and are well represented in many collections. Franks Patania's work was a favorite of Georgia O'Keefe, for instance. I'm proud to live in Tucson myself and enjoy the Frank Patania tradition as carried on by Frank Jr., Michael Contreras, Carlos Diaz, and Sam Patania.
With such now famous and influential artists as Charles Begay, Joe H. Quintana, Julian Lavato, Alberto Contreras, Mark Chee, Jimmy Herald, Lewis Lomayestewa, and others working for and with him, I can only imagine a creative environment that would not be found elsewhere in modern times. My personal opinion is that the influence of this American-Italian Master on 20th Century Native American jewelry is as profound and impactful as that of anyone.
Many look at the influences of such artists as Charles Loloma and Kenneth Begay and their role in the direction of contemporary jewelry. It was Frank Patania that made the craft and design disciplines a part of Native American contemporary jewelry and brought it to a world-wide audience that is still receptive to innovation and art.
I have found no defects like noticeable scratches, etc. in the Buckle. I believe that you will be pleased.
This amazing Patania Thunderbird Shop Belt Buckle is full of character and will be admired by those that see you wearing it. When you take a look at the pictures, please inspect them carefully for the fine detail in both design and execution. Your friends
may compliment you and your taste in Frank Patania Thunderbird Shop artwork.
If you appreciate Patania jewelry like I do, you may enjoy viewing the other Patania Thunderbird Shop items that I have for sale in my eBay Store...
Thanks!
Shipping anywhere in the USA is included, insurance is also included, of course...
Recommended Reference Books - This artist is referenced if there is a page # shown below
"AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY I" - Gregory Schaff
"AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY II: A-L" - Gregory Schaaf
"HALLMARKS OF THE SOUTHWEST"- Barton Wright - page 131
"THE LITTLE BOOK OF SOUTHWESTERN SILVER" - Billie Hougart - page 261
"ZUNI THE ART AND THE PEOPLE"- Bell- Volume 1-3
reference only FP66