This lovely Native American sterling silver brooch features a Thunderbird figure in the center. I did take it to the Native American art shop here in town and they said it is most likely Hopi or Navajo and probably from the 1930s to 1950s.

The only markings on the back of the pin are the letters “UGHN’S” and “STERLING”. I believe this is from Fred Wilson’s Indian Store that he founded in 1936 in Phoenix, Arizona, called “Vaughn’s”. He later changed the name to “Fred Wilson’s Indian Trading Post” and had a chain of stores throughout the Southwest. He hired Native American silversmiths to make and sell their wares to tourists.  He retired in 1962 and continued to study Native American art and patronized various artisans until he died in 1969. It measures approximately 2 ½ inches in length and ¾ of an inch tall.

It is in great vintage condition as you can see by the enlarged photographs. The clasp is in perfect working condition. It has a nice patina and I will leave it up to you to polish if you so desire. Please look at the photos as they are part of the description and show the details better than I can describe.

This would make a wonderful addition to your collection of vintage Native American jewelry. It is a fine bar pin that will draw lots of compliments. It will look great with any western wear, and would be perfect on a scarf, jacket lapel, a dress or vest. It could be worn by a man or woman.

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