Featured in this lot is an original Navajo Diné Old Pawn Sterling Silver and Turquoise Pill Box dating to circa 1930’s - 1940s. Vintage pawn jewelry generally refers to the time period between 1900 and 1960s and is generally more desired than contemporary Navajo jewelry or silver work. The term Old Pawn (aka "dead pawn") originated from the turn of the last century, as Navajo’s (as well as other tribes) would pawn personal items in trade for supplies. These personal items were very-well made pieces that often would go unclaimed (as pawn is a loan with interest added), which then would be called dead pawn. What makes old pawn jewelry so special is that this is the jewelry the Native Americans made for themselves and wore as adornment and a display of wealth that was often passed down in families over generations. The box features wonderful silver work in sterling with hinged lid and the top having classic Navajo geometric design stampings and a petit point cut polished cabochon of beautiful rich untreated Turquoise. The overall condition of this Navajo pillbox is good with no obvious signs of damage. The measurements of this pillbox are 1.25"W x 1.625"L x .5"D, weight is 9.4gms.