Inlaid waterbird buckle by Navajo silversmith, Tommy Singer

Vintage inlaid belt buckle by Navajo artist, Tommy Singer.  Born in 1940, Tommy (Thomas) learned the basics of silversmithing from his father.  In the 1960s, Singer invented the technique of chip inlay, crushing turquoise and coral to set into silver.  This is one of those pieces, featuring a waterbird over landscape elements.  Tommy’s arrowhead mark is on the back of the buckle.  It measures 3″ x 2,” it would hold a 1 1/2″ belt and is in very good old condition.