For your consideration this lot has a Vintage Diné (Navajo) Old Pawn Thunderbird Cuff Bracelet, Fred Harvey Era, circa mid 1900s. The meaning of the Thunderbird symbol was viewed by some tribes as an omen of war when the sound of thunder was heard. The name of the Thunderbird name originates from the belief that the beating of its enormous wings causes thunder and stirs the wind. The Native Americans believed that the giant Thunderbird could shoot lightning from its eyes. Thunder was believed to be a sign the spirits were at war in the skies but this also foretold of victory for tribal wars fought on the ground. “Fred Harvey era” jewelry is jewelry that was made by the Fred Harvey Company in the first half of the 20th century to sell to tourists coming to the Southwest on the railroads. The company sold the jewelry in their restaurants as souvenir items. “Southwest” in appearance, companies such as Bell Trading Co., Maisel’s, and H.H. Tammen. Curio Co. produced this distinctive looking jewelry. The heyday for sales of this jewelry is the 1930’s through the 1950’s. Consequently, it was sold through curio shops, route 66 tourist stops, and trading posts. Today, jewelry referred to as Fred Harvey era jewelry or railroad jewelry includes both pieces made by hand by Native artisans and machine-made jewelry, and represent a true piece of history of the American Southwest. Accenting the Thunderbirds on this cuff are stunning suns, crossed arrows, feathers and mountain symbols. This Diné (Navajo) Old Pawn Thunderbird Cuff Bracelet is in amazing condition, a balanced patina is exhibited, no obvious marring noted. Measures 2"W x 2.25"L x .75"D