Navajo Sterling Silver Oblong Pill Box with Lid [SOLD]

Although this Navajo sterling silver box dates to after the heyday of Fred Harvey gift shops, it was made in the style of the original silver boxes. To craft a box such as this requires expert skill. The side must be fitted with precision to allow the top to fit snugly. The handmade hinges must be attached just so to have the box open and close evenly.

Because the formation of boxes is so difficult, they are relatively rare. This box is not only well constructed, but is also beautifully stamped. The Diné artist stamped the sides with a series of crescents. The top has a floral design that creates a cheerful look. The box opens and closes snugly and evenly. It is unsigned. It was likely made in the 1970s.

Fred Harvey was only 15 years old when he immigrated to the United States. He worked in a series of restaurants and eventually opened a chain of hotels and restaurants along the railroad between Chicago and Los Angeles. As more and more people began to travel to the Southwest, Mr. Harvey helped develop markets for Indian made objects to sell as souvenirs. Fred Harvey souvenirs included distinctive elements which today are associated with the “Fred Harvey Style." Among the articles made by the Indian smiths were various types of boxes, usually made by Diné silversmiths and decorated with intricate stamp work and turquoise.

Condition: this Sterling Silver Oblong Pill Box with Lid is in very good condition

Provenance: from the estate of Frances Balcomb passed through to a daughter

Recommended Reading: Masterworks and Eccentricities: The Druckman Collection; Navajo and Pueblo Jewelry and Metalwork 1880-1950 by Robert Bauver

Digital Image Source: Frederick Henry Harvey (June 27, 1835 – February 9, 1901) Wikipedia, The Free EncyclopediaDigital Image Source: Frederick Henry Harvey (June 27, 1835 – February 9, 1901) Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

Relative Links: Fred Harvey, Silver Objects, Diné - Navajo Nation