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Collectors RARE Old Native American Sterling Turquoise Navajo Bracelet ~1920-30s
Collectors RARE Old Native American Sterling Turquoise Navajo Bracelet ~1920-30s
Collectors RARE Old Native American Sterling Turquoise Navajo Bracelet ~1920-30s
Collectors RARE Old Native American Sterling Turquoise Navajo Bracelet ~1920-30s
Collectors RARE Old Native American Sterling Turquoise Navajo Bracelet ~1920-30s
Collectors RARE Old Native American Sterling Turquoise Navajo Bracelet ~1920-30s
Collectors RARE Old Native American Sterling Turquoise Navajo Bracelet ~1920-30s
Collectors RARE Old Native American Sterling Turquoise Navajo Bracelet ~1920-30s
Collectors RARE Old Native American Sterling Turquoise Navajo Bracelet ~1920-30s
Collectors RARE Old Native American Sterling Turquoise Navajo Bracelet ~1920-30s
Collectors RARE Old Native American Sterling Turquoise Navajo Bracelet ~1920-30s
Collectors RARE Old Native American Sterling Turquoise Navajo Bracelet ~1920-30s

Collectors RARE Old Native American Sterling Turquoise Navajo Bracelet ~1920-30s

$ 889.68

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Provenance: Same family for three generations
  • Origin: New Mexico
  • Artisan: ARP or ARD
  • Condition: This early Navajo silver cuff bracelet is in good to very good condition with expected wear.
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
  • Tribal Affiliation: Navajo

    Description

    This auction is for an early and rare old Native American silver cuff bracelet from New Mexico.  The beautiful Navajo bracelet has been in my family for three generations.
    My grandfather an avid collector of Native American arts for his entire life.  He
    purchased this silver cuff bracelet in NM for his collection around 1920-30.  My grandfather gave the bracelet to my mother when she became enaged to his eldest son (my father) in about 1930.  My mother always treasured this very special bracelet as part of her collection of Native American jewelry.  My mother gave the old Navajo bracelet to me in about 1960.   I did not wear the wonderful bracelet but kept it as part of my lifelong collection of Native American jewelry.
    Examples of early Native American bracelets from this era can be seen in several reference books including
    Southwest Silver Jewelry
    by Paula A. Baxter.  Native American jewelry was becoming popular with visitors to NM by about 1900 before NM became a state in 1912.  So there was an increasing demand from people who wanted to own Native American jewelry.  Native American artisans used what was available to them.  The turquoise in this bracelet is a good example of a stone selected by an artisan that was highly valued although not perfect.  Several sources of silver were used including coin and ingot with nickel silver too.
    I believe the bracelet is Navajo.  There is traditional silverwork design for cuff bracelets of the era.  One unusual part of this design is the hearts on each side of the turquoise.  I found examples of early bracelets in reference books that incorporated hearts into the design.  The bracelet style is split band and incorporates Navajo raindrops, hearts and traditional hand stampings.  The bracelet is not signed or marked as is the case with these early bracelets.  The bracelet tested positive for coin silver or better using a GXL Next Tester which is not invasive.  The source of the silver would be hand-made, hand-poured ingot silver.  Sterling silver & silver coins could have been added in the mix.
    There are three initials scratched into the back of the bracelet. This is sometimes found in older jewelry and appeared in some old pieces collected by my family.  The initials appears to be "ARP" or "ARD".   These are not initials among my family members so it could have been the artisan or a very early owner.
    The turquoise is a beautiful old blue stone (3/4" x 1/2" in size) with a brown matrix that is certainly from an early southwestern mine.  The old stone has an original natural crack in the matrix in one corner.   The turquoise has remained secure in the setting for since it was crafted years although it has not been worn often.  There are a minor surface scratches on the silver as expected for being previously owned and worn.  There are surface scratches and expected wear from the age.  Overall, the vintage Navajo bracelet is in very vintage condition.  There is a very dark patina from age.
    Style:  Navajo silver cuff circa 1920-30s with turquoise & traditional design
    Weight:  47 grams
    Length (inner circumference without the gap):  5 3/4"
    Gap: 1 1/16"Width of bracelet:  3/4"
    Size of turquoise:  3/4" x 1/2"
    Tested for coin silver or better
    Initials scratched on inside of bracelet:  ARP or  ARD
    This rare vintage silver Native American bracelet from New Mexico has a classic and traditional design that is important in the history of Native American jewelry.  The old bracelet (1920-30s) would represent a major addition to a collection of Native American jewelry.  This is an important treasure to preserve for future generations to enjoy.
    Full USPS insurance coverage.  Your purchase will be package with great care using new bubble wrap and a sturdy new cardboard box.  I usually ship daily except for Sundays and holidays.  No charge for packing materials.
    Sold in the US only.  No international bids, please.  Will not ship outside the US.
    I do not accept returns unless I make a significant error in describing the vintage Navajo cuff bracelet.  Please make note of this before bidding.  Please examine photos to assess the condition for yourself.
    This auction is for the vintage Native American bracelet only.  Other items shown in the photos are for display purposes only.