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WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT IT: a charming example of one of Blake and Velma Lesansee\'s early owl pins. The couple was famous for this design their owls, examples of which appear in the discontinued book: Zuni The Art and the People, a page of which appears above. This one uses a rare combination of stones which include jet, cowrie shell for the body and wings, turquoise for the chest, mother of pearl for the eyes, clam shell for the nose and serpentine for the body. The cowrie shells used for the owls looks like real fur. I have an unlisted bracelet, earrings and three rings they made, as well as a gorgeous bolo, pictures of most of these are shown above though available separately. This pin is available in this listing separately but it\'s fun to see a wider array of their work. Note that this pin departs from their usual form in adding a moustache to the owl!
BACKGROUND: Husband and wife team, Blake and Velma Lesansee started working together in the mid-1950s. Known for their inlaid owl design in necklaces, bracelets, key rings, money clips, watch tips, and pins. A pin such as I am offering here is in museums such as the Kennedy Museum of Art & New Mexico Museum in Santa Fe. There are pictures in Bassman, Theda. Zuni Jewelry. West Chester, PA: Schiffer Publishing Co., 1992, p. 25. Also in the discontinued Bell, Ed and Barbara. Zuni: The Art and the People Vol.3. Dallas, TX: Taylor Publishing Company, 1977, p. 4-5, a page of which I included above. And description in Wright, Barton. Hallmarks of the Southwest. Atglen, Pa.: Shiffer Publishing Ltd., 2000, p. 102-103.
CONDITION: Excellent vintage, wearable, collectible.
MEASUREMENTS:
• Dimensions of pin: 1-1/2\" H x 3/4\" W
• Weight: 5.04grams
• Consistent with age, it is not marked for metal content but it\'s sterling silver at .925
• Consistent with the age, it isn\'t signed by the artists but it is definitely the work of Blake and Velma Lesansee, Zuni
SUMMARY: This pin is a fun, and very old example which appears in a book and is prototypically the work of Blake and Velma Lesansee. For those who value the aura of the past in their Native American jewelry, this is a wonderful pin for you. A great collector\'s piece. Truly creative and elegant.
RED TAPE:
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International buyers pay actual shipping cost if I’m shipping myself rather than using ’s Global Shipping service, and International buyers are responsible for any customs fees their own countries may apply. Please discuss changing shipping method prior to purchase. My shipping defaults to Express International, which is tracked and insured, but I can use Priority Mail International. It\'s less expensive and is also tracked. First Class International is no longer offered by the US Postal Service. I charge the actual shipping cost and since shipping to each country costs a different amount, I will charge a little extra and refund the exact difference once I can put your address in and print a shipping label. I am no longer shipping to Italy and China, but can make exceptions if you speak with me about it, especially if you are a prior customer.
I\'m no longer accepting returns having refunded $1350 for a bracelet I never received. Returns must be in the same condition they were shipped. If I make a significant mistake in a listing I\'ll always give you a full refund. The 20% restocking fee does not apply when the mistake is mine. I care that you\'re happy and about my accuracy, and will always stand behind my work. My attributions are guaranteed for my lifetime.
When I include pages from published books in my listings it is in accordance with Fair Use Law, which permits the use of source material for discussion, reference, education and criticism.
Attributions on many of the old pieces of Native American jewelry are sometimes a moving target. All the books have errors, so in addition to counterchecking, I have developed some expertise over the years and I do care about getting it right, so as more information comes to light I update my listings and also get in touch with my previous buyers, to inform them of any changes in attributions. I am sincerely committed to ongoing accuracy.
Everything I sell comes from my personal collection or is something that I would include in my personal collection. Most pieces are museum worthy and gallery suitable, sold to you at great pricing. I vet every item carefully for quality and condition, and offer you the best. I want you to be able to rely on me for top quality, superb items that are often unique and rare examples of old antique vintage southwest, indian, native american and fine gold and gemstones, whether you\'re starting a collection or adding to one, or want something great to wear or gift. My goal is that all my buyers are delighted, that my special pieces find the right homes.
