Diné (Navajo) Coin Silver Buckle with Turquoise [SOLD]

This early 20^th century belt buckle appears to have been made from coin silver hammered out flat, then reformed and cut into a rectangular shape.  The center was cut out and a bar attached to verso on which is secured the buckle catch.  The edges of the buckle roll down slightly to form a smooth surface.

The four feather-like elements are repoussé formed, the edges of which were stamped with small triangles.  There are four square stamped designs somewhat resembling Spider Woman crosses.  The edges of the buckle are stamped with a connecting loop design. There are four beautiful blue square-cut domed turquoise cabs set into silver bezels.  There is no maker’s mark, but the name Howard is scratched into the silver on verso—probably a previous owner’s name.

Condition: very good condition with cracks in one of the four turquoise cabs, however it appears to be securely anchored in place.

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Georgia