Handmade Southwest Sterling Silver Oval Tray with Stamped Designs [SOLD]

The workmanship on this stamped silver tray or shallow bowl was extraordinary.  Each of the rays spreading out from the central diamond in the bottom of the bowl was beautifully executed.  The rim of S curves is raised above the level of the outer scalloped row.  Overall, the tray is a work of art.

This tray is stamped with a label that states JB Ltd S Fe .925 BP.  It does not appear to be labeling consistent with a Diné artist so we are making the attribution that it was made by a Western (Non-Native American) artist in Santa Fe.  JB Ltd could possibly be a manufacturing company.

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness of .925.

Explained: 

- Sterling silver (925): This is the standard for silver, identifying a silver item that is at least 92.5% silver mixed with copper to give it strength. Marks on these pieces include 925 or Sterling.

- When we say Diné, as opposed to Navaho or Navajo, we are referring to the people and not the government.  Since 1969, their government refers to itself as the Navajo Nation.  

Condition: this Handmade Southwest Sterling Silver Oval Tray with Stamped Designs is in original condition

Provenance: from the collection of a client from Washington, DC

Recommended Reading:

- Navajo and Pueblo Jewelry and Metalwork 1880-1950 by Robert Bauver

- Masterworks and Eccentricities: The Druckman Collection

Relative Links: Diné of the Navajo Nation, Southwest Indian Jewelry: Silver Objects, Fred Harvey