Early signed TOMMY SINGER Navajo Link CONCHO BELT Sterling Silver Thomas buckle

  
Rare "Early" signed Tommy Singer. 1st Phase Style Link Concho Belt.

With 10 "Slotted" Oval Belt Pieces. 9 Conchos + 1 Belt Buckle. Turquoise enhanced Buckle is Hallmarked "TC (crescent moon) STERLING".

1.45" X 1.9". 1.85" X 2.4". 33" Total length with typical hook attachment points from 30.5" to 33.5. If you have a smaller waist just wear it "Navajo Style" and let a few conchos and links hang from the end..

151.1 grams = 4.86 Troy ounces Total Weight. Rare early Tommy Singer Link Concho Belt. This magnificent Concho Belt was made by noted Navajo silversmith Tommy Singer. It is signed with a very early hallmark on the back of the buckle, as well as "STERLING". It is guaranteed to be Sterling Silver and authentic.

The early hallmark would seem to date this as from around the early 1970's. This has one of his many smith marks. According to Barton Wright in "Hallmarks of the Southwest" (page 156), he has used used ten or so. The oval round top Arizona Mine Turquoise Possible sleeping beauty is striking! Your research may reveal that this Concho style is a design that is very rare for Tommy Singer! It was made very early in his career of over half a century of making remarkable Navajo Indian Jewelry. I've seen and have traded lots of his work and have always enjoyed the experience. Tommy was a pioneer in several areas of Native American Indian jewelry.

He is famous worldwide for his development of the "Chip Inlay" technique. As a Navajo artist, he is an early adopter and remains a recognized expert in the silver smithing technique of Silver Overlay. As a member of the now popular Native American Church, the Peyote Bird and rituals involving it, became a popular theme in his early creations. This one is a great example of his work. The style chosen is very Rare for Singer.

I personally own several Tommy Singer belt buckles for my personal enjoyment and to wear. If you feel the same magic, read on.. In the 1930's, the University of Northern Arizona helped Hopi silversmiths develop a unique style and technique to differentiate themselves from the Navajos. It involves bonding of two formerly distinct sheets of Sterling Silver and is known as Silver Overlay.

For decades, the Hopi have excelled at this and to some it defines the Hopi Style. Since Tommy Singer's early career in the 1960's, he has worked in Silver Overlay, which was not typical for a Navajo artist at the time.

He has won countless awards and is considered a master. This very fine example of his innovative early work.

Tommy Singer was born in 1940. He passed away in the Spring of 2014. He was often seen at Indian Fairs, Gem Shows, visiting stores in Gallup and all around Indian Country. His likeness and several of his creations are pictured in "American Indian Jewelry 1" by Gregory Schaaf (pages 291-292).

There are numerous articles and features about him in countless books and other publications. He is widely collected and his work appears in museums from The Peabody Museum at Harvard to The University of Colorado. Here is what Tommy Singer had to say when interviewed, I try hard to make different styles and designs of my jewelry... Every piece is made with the meanings from my traditional ways, my father was a silversmith.

He taught me to continue this trade. It was my father's dream that I learn to silversmith, so that I continue his belief. As the Navajo say, Walk in beauty!

I thank You and look forward to sharing a good experience! "AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY I" - Gregory Schaaf - pages - 291-292. "AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY III: A-L" - Gregory Schaaf - pages 264-265.

"HALLMARKS OF THE SOUTHWEST"- Barton Wright - page - 156. "THE LITTLE BOOK OF SOUTHWESTERN SILVER" - Billie Hougart - page 317.

I will pack this carefully for you so that the conchos 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. Reference Books - This artist is referenced if there is a page # shown below. "AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY I" - Gregory Schaaf - page 232. "AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY II: M-Z" - Gregory Schaaf- page 25. "HALLMARKS OF THE SOUTHWEST"- Barton Wright - page.

"THE LITTLE BOOK OF SOUTHWESTERN SILVER" - Billie Hougart - page 225. "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.