Vintage hand-stamped Native American Indian Concho Belt - Silver or Nickle?

[vscience]

Today I fount this Vintage hand-made sterling silver hand-stamped Native American concho belt. It has a attractive hammered silver design with 15 distinctly different conchos. There is a copper attachment loop and a leather backing under the conchos. I'm not sure what to make of it. I did not find a silver stamp so I assume it is a silver or nickle mix. Your feedback is welcome.

 

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[dansalata]

killer...

 

[trapperart]

Very nice

 

[Metro Retro]

It looks like unmarked silver -- either a coin or sterling. What a great score!

 

[dirtwizard]

where did you find it?

 

[UnderMiner]

The Native American artists often made stamped sterling silver but never marked it as sterling. A quick crude and non-destructive test to determine if it's silver or not - spit on it a little and rub it with aluminum foil. If it smells like rotten eggs it's silver. The smell is produced from the silver tarnish Silver Sulfide reacting with the aluminum and turning into aluminum sulfide. After the test just rinse it off and you'll be good. This is how I test all my unknown silver and it works very reliably and is way better than acid testing which can ruin your silver artifact forever. Good luck

 

[vscience]

Hi everyone-- I'm happy to announce that this belt passed the stink test. I spit, rubbed and it DOES smell like rotten eggs. (Never heard of that method until now. So thanks for that tip!)
The belt has a heavy, solid "feel" to it and the patina is telling. It looks lit it got plenty of wear and it's still in superb condition.
I've been finding several very unique Native American Indian items at recycling center lately.
I hate to rub it in but this belt cost: 50-cents.

 

[Subterranean]

That is a beautiful score, congrats. Allow me to play the devil's advocate and say it may be Mexican or Central American, rather than Native American. I am not seeing any of the symbols or imagery that we usually see on their silver items. But then again, I am but a relic-loving layman wandering in the vast wasteland of the Treasurenet forum...Happy Hunting, Sub

 

[against the wind]

Hi everyone-- I'm happy to announce that this belt passed the stink test. I spit, rubbed and it DOES smell like rotten eggs. (Never heard of that method until now. So thanks for that tip!)
The belt has a heavy, solid "feel" to it and the patina is telling. It looks lit it got plenty of wear and it's still in superb condition.
I've been finding several very unique Native American Indian items at recycling center lately.
I hate to rub it in but this belt cost: 50-cents.

SUPER SCORE! !

 

[vscience]

I really, really appreciate the information. I've learned a lot here.
I just enjoy finding unusual items that catch my eye. The history stories from vintage items are fascinating and joyful.

 

[vscience]

Just for fun, I weighed the buckle and conchos.
Buckle: 1.5 oz
15 Conchos: 0.4 oz each = 6 oz
Total: 7.5 oz in silver.