Nativer American Sterling Silver Stampwork Concho Belt

Lot description

Native American sterling silver stamp work concho belt, likely Navajo, signed IHMJ (Indian Handmade Jewelry) over a stylized mark, (one) oval hook buckle, joined to (sixteen) matched conchos, separated by rings, five rings to the end, buckle and conchos: approx 1"h, 1.5"w, hook to first ring: approx 36.5"l, hook to last ring: approx 39.75"l, 4.71ozt Provenance: From the estate of Dorothy Jean McPhaul, whose small East Austin antique shop, Johnnie’s Antiques, has survived for generations despite rapid city expansion. McPhaul, a true lover of all things antique and a retired educator with a 40-year tenure at the LaGrange Public School system, personally collected African American memorabilia, jewelry, glassware, pottery, amongst other rare and fine antiques. Established by McPhaul’s grandfather, Simon Sidle, in 1918, Johnnie’s Antiques is among the last vintage properties on East 6th Street, and notable as one of the first black-owned businesses in Austin. After assuming proprietorship in 1999, Dorothy followed in the family tradition as a fixture of the Texas antique sale circuit.