NAVAJO SAMPLE BELT Circa 1970sIn that time period concha belts were not only popular but also varied greatly in patterns. Rather than keep several dozen belts on hand, shops would have a silversmith make up a concha that showed a dozen or more possible patterns for the customer to choose from.
Similarly, some silversmiths would make a belt showing the patterns they did in order to solicit an order from shops.
Each concha measures 1.5 by 2 inches. $1600 (TUCSON)
Not only is this a stunning example of Joe Quintana’s silver work, set with very good quality turquoise. but it is also mounted on a tour de force of leather work. Each concha is 2.5 inches by 2 inches. The buckle is 3 inches by 2.25 inches and the leather strap is 40 inches long. $8500 (SANTA FE)
Above: judging from the stampwork on the small links I’m pretty certain that this belt dates somewhere between 1930 and the early 1940s. Each concha measures 2 by 1 5/8 inches. Overall the belt is 33 inches long. We can add silver loops to make it longer. (no charge for that). $1100 (TUCSON)
A classic 1930-40s concha belt, attributed to the Goodluck family. Each concha is 3 inches by 2.5 inches and the buckle is 3 inches by 2.25 inches. It is 33 inches long. $10,500 (SANTA FE)
A classically beautiful concha belt. The hallmark on the reverse is AM which is a hallmark attributed to Angeline Miller (Navajo) but honestly, it could be another Navajo smith as this work is not typical of what little I have seen of her work. The buckle and each of the conchas measure 2.75 by 2 1/8 inches. $1275. (TUCSON)
