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Vintage Kay Johnson Southwestern Shriner belt buckle featuring intricate turquoise, coral-colored and mother-of-pearl/abalone-style chip inlay.
The buckle features the classic Shriner crescent and star together with an ornate scimitar/sword motif. The crescent is filled with turquoise-colored chip inlay surrounding a red/orange and black star, while the scimitar features multicolor shell/stone inlay. The silver-tone oval buckle is decorated throughout with hand-tooled/engraved accents and a zigzag border.
The reverse bears the distinctive broken/bent arrow pictorial hallmark associated with Anglo Southwestern artisan Kay Johnson / Broken Arrow Traders. Hallmark references identify Kay Johnson with this broken-arrow mark.
This example closely corresponds with other vintage Kay Johnson/Johnson-associated Southwestern chip-inlay work. Broken Arrow Traders pieces continue to be collected today, with other buckles appearing in the secondary market.
Measures approximately 3 inches wide x 2 1/4 inches tall based on the measurement photos.
Metal has not been tested. No sterling mark is visible, so this buckle is being described as silver-tone rather than sterling silver.
A particularly attractive vintage fraternal buckle combining Kay Johnson’s Southwestern styling with classic Shriner imagery.
Condition:
Good vintage pre-owned condition with expected surface scratches, scuffs, patina and signs of age/use. Inlay remains colorful and displays beautifully. There is wear visible on both the front and reverse consistent with a vintage piece. Please review all photos carefully for exact condition.
