This is a Fred Peshlakai (1896-1974) Navajo triple-split shank heavily stamped silver bracelet set with Number 8 Turquoise. The attributed bracelet shows truly fine craftsmanship with a heavy silver cuff that has been split into three shanks and bears heavy early Navajo stampings including the iconic arrows and is set atop with a gem quality turquoise stone in a beautiful silver setting, all of which aligns with Fred Peshlakai’s renowned work. The stone atop is a beautiful untreated polished cabochon of turquoise from the Number 8 Turquoise Mine which was first active in the late 1920’s.
Fred Peshlakai (1896-1974) is widely considered one of the most recognized and influential silversmiths of the 20th century. Fred was born in 1896 at Crystal, New Mexico, son of Slender Maker of Silver who was one of the first recognized Navajo silversmiths in the 19th century and learned from Atsidi Chon, one of the first Navajo silversmiths. Fred apprenticed under his father until his father’s eyesight failed him forcing him to stop working. Peshlakai worked at Maisel’s Indian Trading Post in Albuquerque for a short time before moving on to short jobs such as cowboying and acting. He returned to silversmithing and opened his own shop on Olvera Street in Los Angeles where he worked for around 20 years. His brother, Frank, worked for him for several years there. In 1950 Fred had a shop at Hotel Escalante in Cedar City, Utah and after this time his jewelry production decreased. Fred truly bridged the early Navajo silversmithing of the 19th Century and the Native modernists of the mid-20th Century. His jewelry is very collectible with some pieces such as the heavily stamped bracelet without stones marked F. Peshlakai which sold at Cowan’s in April 2019 for $8,917.50 (w/ bp).
The bracelet is in well kept good condition with no major damages and original patina. Measures 6.5”L inside circumference wrist size which includes the 1.25”W opening. Box measurements of 2.5”W by 2”H by 1.25”D. Total weight of 43.4 grams.