XXL TOMMY SINGER Sterling Silver 18K Gold BELT BUCKLE "Rodeo Cowboy" Navajo

Description

Tommy Singer - Navajo 1940-2014
Extra Large!
Calf Roping "Trophy" Belt Buckle
Solid Sterling Silver with 18K Gold Flash Plating
Kingman Mine Arizona Turquoise
Dimensions
5.325" X 3.8
"
will accept a belt of up to 1.
4"
147.9 grams = 4.76 Troy ounces
Very Good to Excellent Condition
(all measurements are approximate)
The US Quarter (.95"=24mm) and 0 Bill (2 5/8"=66mm) X (6 1/8"=155mm) is for scale
The Tommy Singer Fancy "Double Scroll Calf Roping Trophy Buckle"
This Enormous Belt Buckle was made by noted Navajo silversmith Tommy Singer. It is signed with a "Tc" hallmark on the back of the buckle. It is not marked "Sterling", but is guaranteed to be Sterling Silver and flash plated with 18K Gold.
I've traded several of his rare Sterling/Gold buckles over the years and haven't seen one in a few years. It is what I would call an "early" piece and my guess is that he made it in about 1970. This is one of his many smith marks. According to Barton Wright in "Hallmarks of the Southwest" (page 156), he has used used ten or so.  Many of his earlier pieces were not signed at all...This is not a new buckle!
It looks like it has not been worn and was probably just part of a collection. My guess is that it was not sold and sat in a jewelers inventory...or awarded to a rodeo calf roper as first prize and never engraved...what do you think?
Your research may reveal that this buckle is a bit rare now as it is Tommy Singer's early work. I have examined the components very carefully and found no condition issues with the anything... There is no missing Turquoise or other issues. It is all stable and solid. No dents, noticeable scratches, etc.  It was made early in his career of over half a century of making remarkable Navajo Indian Jewelry.
I've seen and have traded lots of his work and have always enjoyed the experience.
Consider this an opportunity to own an old and early Tommy Singer Buckle.  How about this? Sterling Silver Overlay, 18K Gold flash plating, 2 Kingman Mine Turquoise, Leaf Work, Extra fancy Wire Work, Water Drops, High-Relief Cowboy on Horseback Roping a Calf, Amazing Stamp Work, and TWO non-engraved plaque fields!
It is GIANT in size!
Tommy was a pioneer in several areas of Native American Indian jewelry. He is famous worldwide for his development of the "Chip Inlay" technique. As a Navajo artist, he is an early adopter and remains a recognized expert in the silver smithing technique of "Silver Overlay." As a member of the now popular Native American Church, the Peyote Bird and rituals involving it, became a popular theme in his early creations.
This one is great early example of his work and in Very Good to Excellent Condition too.
I  personally own several Tommy Singer belt buckles for my personal enjoyment and to wear. I love the variety of techniques and skills that were demonstrated in the making of this.  If you feel the same magic, read on...
Silver Overlay
In the 1930's, the University of Northern Arizona helped Hopi silversmiths develop a unique style and technique to differentiate themselves from the Navajos. It involves bonding of two formerly distinct sheets of Sterling Silver and is known as Silver Overlay. For decades, the Hopi have excelled at this and to some it defines the "Hopi Style." Since Tommy Singer's early career in the 1960's, he has worked in Silver Overlay, which was not typical for a Navajo artist at the time. He has won countless awards and is considered a master. This very fine example of his innovative early work.
Tommy Singer
Tommy Singer was born in 1940. He passed away in the Spring of 2014. He was often seen at Indian Fairs, Gem Shows, visiting stores in Gallup and all around Indian Country. His likeness and several of his creations are pictured in "American Indian Jewelry 1" by Gregory Schaaf (pages 291-292). There are numerous articles and features about him in countless books and other publications.  He is widely collected and his work appears in museums from The Peabody Museum at Harvard to The University of Colorado.
Here is what Tommy Singer had to say when interviewed, "I try hard to make different styles and designs of my jewelry...every piece is made with the meanings from my traditional ways, my father was a silversmith.  He taught me to continue this trade.  It was my father's dream that I learn to silversmith, so that I continue his belief."
As the Navajo say, "Walk in beauty!"
I ship anywhere in the United States for free. Insurance is included, of course...
I thank You and look forward to sharing a good experience!
Recommended Reference Books
"AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY I" - Gregory Schaaf - pages - 291-292
"AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY III: A-L" - Gregory Schaaf - pages 264-265
"HALLMARKS OF THE SOUTHWEST"- Barton Wright - page - 156
"THE LITTLE BOOK OF SOUTHWESTERN SILVER" - Billie Hougart - page 317
reference only Buckle TSXXL