Sterling silver was smelted and poured into a traditional "butterfly" open work form, carved into a block of tufa stone. The carved piece was attached with steel wire to a plain piece (for a smooth back) before the molten silver was poured.
Careful filing and hand finishing with sand papers and buffing tools followed. Creation of a swivel bar and "tooth" were accomplished with heavy gauge drawn wire and hammered sheet--made from ingot. These attachments are sturdy. Hard solder was used to apply the bar and tooth. Line details are stamped by hand.
It is a difficult pour, in that an open form and sytem like this, allows the silver to cool even more quickly, increasing the possibility of incomplete areas.
| Description | Sterling silver was smelted and poured into a traditional "butterfly" open work form, carved into a block of tufa stone. The carved piece was attached with steel wire to a plain piece (for a smooth back) before the molten silver was poured. Careful filing and hand finishing with sand papers and buffing tools followed. Creation of a swivel bar and "tooth" were accomplished with heavy gauge drawn wire and hammered sheet--made from ingot. These attachments are sturdy. Hard solder was used to apply the bar and tooth. Line details are stamped by hand. It is a difficult pour, in that an open form and sytem like this, allows the silver to cool even more quickly, increasing the possibility of incomplete areas. |
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| About the Artist | 20th century Navajo jeweler whose jewelry was sold through The White Hogan in Scottsdale, Arizona. Mr. Bitsie was believed to have died prior to the year 2000. |
| Culture | American Indian, Navajo |
| Medium | Sterling silver |
| Troy ounces | 2.67 troy ounces |
| Size | Overall 3 7/8" length X 2 5/8" height. Bar will accommodate a 1 1/2" strap. |
| Signed | Stamped "G B" on verso |
| Date of creation | 1970's |
| Condition | Excellent |
| Design | This handsome buckle is based on a design as old as silver work created by American Indian artists in the late 1800's. |
| Provenance | Jo Re |
| Gram weight | 82.9 grams |