Vintage Navajo Concho Belt Buckle Early Leonard Maloney Buffalo Nickel Studs 34”

Description

Read the fine print below the item description, as it is part of the buyer and seller agreement. Any other items in the background are not included in this auction.
Up for auction/sale is an amazing vintage 60s era stamped leather belt with a heavy and beautifully chiseled sterling concho buckle attributed to Navajo silversmith Leonard Maloney. The buckle and belt were purchased together almost 25 years ago. They were not bought separately.
The leather belt is stamped with traditional Navajo symbols, and there are six button-shaped authentic Buffalo and Indian head nickel halves fastened by rivets, original to the belt. The belt is stamped “34” and also has either the maker or the shop stamp where it was originally sold--however, I cannot make this out other than “Arizona” underneath the other very worn script.
The large beautiful belt buckle is signed "LM Sterling" on the back near the belt loop, and measures approximately 2.5” wide and 3” long, weighing 60 grams without the leather, so over 2 ounces. The leather belt is approximately 1.25” wide and measures 42” long from end to end, with extra hole punches in it.
Condition:
The sterling belt buckle has a rich patina not polished off, as well as good original oxidation in the deeply chiseled pattern. There is a very minor ding to the repousse diamond shape in the middle of the buckle that measures about 2/16" and expected surface scratches and pitting to the silver. The Buffalo Indian head nickels are old and worn, but still look wonderful as they are original to this piece. The leather could use a good cleaning and waxing, which could restore some of its former luster. I will leave it to the buyer to change the leather or wear it as is. The buckle does come off with snaps, and other buckles could be worn. It’s entirely up to you. The snaps that secure the buckle are still very secure and work well.
The Fine Print
Welcome to my shop! I’ve been a dealer and collector of fine vintage sterling silver jewelry for over 40 years. Most of the pieces listed this year have been off-market for over 10 years or from my personal stash. I am just now finding time to do detailed listings after a long hiatus from selling on eBay.
Please review all photos and descriptions of condition. Photos are part of the description. All measurements are approximate and done to the best of my ability. Ring size is measured on a standard mandrel. Weights are provided in grams and measured on a postal scale that is calibrated.
I do not accept returns, but will do my best with you to ensure you receive communication from me. Ebay is filled with buyers who only want to flip items. I sell for design, quality and beauty, not for scrap metal value.
These items are all vintage, antique (older than 50 years), or from a secondary contemporary marketplace. As such, there will be scuffs, scratches on stones and metal, visible use, sometimes slightly bent ring bands or clasps or rings that need attention. I will do my best to photograph these or point out any issues.
I leave the patina on pieces, especially with oxidation. If you would prefer something to be shinier and polished before it is mailed, please contact me and I will use an industry recommended product to hand polish, although it may leave a slight odor that can easily be removed by you with rinsing in water with gentle detergents.