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Kirk Smith Navajo Sterling Silver Concho Belt – 9 Large Hand-Stamped Conchos
Exceptional vintage sterling silver concho belt by noted Navajo/Diné silversmith Kirk Smith (1957–2012).
The belt features a complete set of nine large hand-stamped sterling silver conchos, each measuring approximately 2.25\" x 2.75\". Each concho features deeply stamped traditional decoration, scalloped edges and a raised oval center. They are mounted on a substantial, well-worn brown leather belt.
The reverse is signed with the “K S / Sterling” hallmark associated with Kirk Smith. An essentially identical Kirk Smith belt, with the same concho design and the same 2.25\" x 2.75\" dimensions, is also documented in the collector market.
Details
- Maker: Kirk silver
- Signed K S / Sterling
- 9 large conchos
- Approx. 2.25\" x 2.75\" per concho
- Hand-stamped silverwork
- Substantial vintage leather belt
- Purchased in 2008 from Gilbert Ortega in Scottsdale, AZ
- Sold to me at the time as dead pawn
- Original purchase receipt is no longer present
- Silver has not been polished
- Original oxidation and patina have been intentionally preserved
I personally purchased this belt from Gilbert Ortega in 2008, where it was represented and sold to me as a dead-pawn piece. It has remained in my possession since that time. Unfortunately, I no longer have the original Ortega receipt.
The belt has been worn and enjoyed rather than stored away as a display piece. The silver shows beautiful natural oxidation and surface character, while the leather shows wear, scuffing and aging consistent with a vintage belt. I have deliberately left the silver unpolished to preserve its original patina. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the condition description.
A fun bit of history: During my ownership, the belt was loaned for wardrobe use and worn by members of The Avett Brothers and Joey Burns of Calexico for Grammy and CMA appearances. I do not have documentation accompanying the belt for those appearances, so I mention this simply as part of its history rather than representing it as authenticated celebrity provenance or assigning additional value to it on that basis.
This is an unusually substantial Kirk Smith belt. The large-format conchos have tremendous presence in person and display the heavy, traditional silverwork for which Smith is collected.
Condition: Vintage/pre-owned condition with natural tarnish, oxidation, scratches, surface wear and wear to the leather from age and use. No attempt has been made to polish or restore the silver. Please review all photographs closely for exact condition.
Sold exactly as pictured.
