Vintage Navajo Sterling Silver Concho Belt - Signed Henry Cecil - 318 grams - 37

Description

Read the fine print below the item description, as it is part of the buyer and seller agreement. Any other items in the background are not included in this auction.
Up for auction/sale is this very fine sterling silver and lovely vintage concho belt attributed to Navajo silversmith Henry Cecil. (There is an offshoot chance this could also be the work of Harrison Yazzie, but the style is more in keeping with Cecil. I welcome buyer questions or input.) There are 11 oval sterling conchos, featuring pierced lozenge shaped centers and deep beautiful stamping. The large sterling buckle is original and matches correctly. The buckle is signed “H” and “Sterling.” The conchos also test as sterling and feature classic copper belt loops. This is not machine stamped junk, but true art!
The belt buckle measures approximately 2” wide by 2.5” wide. The conchos measure 1 and 5/16” wide and 2” long. The leather belt, which I feel is not original, measures 45” tip to tip. This would probably best fit a waist of 35” - 37”, with not a lot of sliding around of the conchos. The combined weight of the belt is 318 grams (leather included) and as I am not selling by weight, I won’t remove the conchos from the belt. This is not a hatband sized concho belt, it’s medium to large, just not rock star size!
Condition:
The sterling buckle and conchos are all in good vintage/pre-worn condition, with normal tarnishing, small scratches and dips or slight edge bends. This is consistent with an item that is 30 to 40 years old. The leather is unremarkable, and is dyed black and 1” wide. If the leather was slightly wider, I think the conchos would not slide around and stay in place. However, I will leave that decision to the new owner.
The Fine Print
Welcome to my shop! I’ve been a dealer and collector of fine vintage sterling silver jewelry for over 40 years. Most of the pieces listed this year have been off-market for over 10 years or from my personal stash. I am just now finding time to do detailed listings after a long hiatus from selling on eBay.
Please review all photos and descriptions of condition. Photos are part of the description. All measurements are approximate and done to the best of my ability. Ring size is measured on a standard mandrel. Weights are provided in grams and measured on a postal scale that is calibrated.
I do not accept returns, but will do my best with you to ensure you receive communication from me. Ebay is filled with buyers who only want to flip items. I sell for design, quality and beauty, not for scrap metal value.
These items are all vintage, antique (older than 50 years), or from a secondary contemporary marketplace. As such, there will be scuffs, scratches on stones and metal, visible use, sometimes slightly bent ring bands or clasps or rings that need attention. I will do my best to photograph these or point out any issues.
I leave the patina on pieces, especially with oxidation. If you would prefer something to be shinier and polished before it is mailed, please contact me and I will use an industry recommended product to hand polish, although it may leave a slight odor that can easily be removed by you with rinsing in water with gentle detergents.