An Earlier Navajo First Phase Concho Belt

Navajo

1925 - 1940 | Silver, Commercial Hide | Item 2248

This is a beautiful Navajo first phase concho belt. I like both the early look in the patina and as well the smaller size of the conchos. Each concho is 3 1/8″ long and 2 3/4″ wide and there are nine of them. The belt wears well for me, and I’m a size 34″ waist. I feel like it would look better taking off the final concho so that there is more room between the last concho and the belt buckle. This would likely be the case if one was smaller in size than I am. There are no signatures nor hallmarks found on this belt. The belt buckle is highly decorative with repousse, stippling and hatch marks. It may not have been made with the original belt.

I do not believe that the silver is from ingot, but rather from sheet silver. However, there is some disagreement on this point by a few that have inspected it. It is clear that the stamp work is all individually done. The harness belt is old and original. The pads to the conchos might be later additions. I have priced this belt as an example of early worked silver sheet metal. If it is indeed ingot, then this belt is worth likely double what I have currently on it if not more.