I-1-79 “Patania” buckle.
This stylish buckle was produced in Santa Fe, New Mexico in the Frank Patania studio. Frank Patania Sr.(although not a Native American) had a studio and shop specializing in silver, gold and turquoise from the 1930's through the 1960's. His designs greatly influenced many Native American artists (such as the famous Navajo Kenny Begay and Hopi artists Lewis Lome and Charles Loloma among others) and include such innovations as shadow box work and rough silver and turquoise nugget settings such as this example. The buckle is hallmarked on the back with a thunderbird, sterling and his signature “FP”.
It measures 2 inches long by 1 1/8 inches wide and fits a 3/4 inch belt. Circa 1950. $695.00