Sterling Silver Butterfly UITA5 Pin [SOLD]

This elaborate sterling silver butterfly pin was crafted with an utmost sense of artistic creativity. The wings are elevated, and each wing is fully stamped with small circles. The butterfly's body is adorned with two small turquoise cabs for eyes, and a larger one for the body. Two other small turquoise cabs adorn the tips of the wings.

The pin is stamped with the UITA5 designation, which identifies the maker as Kirk? From Gallup, New Mexico, an indication of a time of the 1930s.

The United Indian Traders Association (UITA) was established officially on September 13, 1931, for the purpose of authentication of Indian crafts. The organization was incorporated as a non-profit in New Mexico with the support of many traders, and that of Harold Ickes, later to become Secretary of the Interior, and San Francisco attorney Charles Elkus.

The UITA strongly supported the Federal Trade Commission's prosecution of companies for using false advertising and for other misleading practices. In 1946, there were 40 members using the UITA stamp. Each member was assigned a number. UITA5 is listed as assigned to a Gallup, New Mexico, trader with the last name of Kirk, but no first name. There were several Kirks in Gallup at that time, so we will not assign the first name of the trader until further research.

Condition: very good condition. The silver has not been polished and retains its patina.

Provenance: this Sterling Silver Butterfly UITA5 Pin is from the collection of a family from Santa Fe

Reference: The Little Book of Marks on Southwestern Silver-Silversmiths, Designers, Guilds and Traders, by Bille Hougart

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Navajo