Vintage Sterling Silver Pill Box/Fob (Hand-Stamped Symbols) 🇺🇸🦅🥈
This is a Rare Vintage Miniature Box crafted from genuine Sterling Silver. The box is covered in intricate hand-stamped Native American tribal iconography, serving as a potent symbol of Southwestern art.
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Material: Sterling Silver (Stamped).
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Style: Vintage Native American/Southwestern Stampwork (Fob/Amulet Box).
| Dimension | Measurement (Approximate) |
| Height | Approx. 0.5 inch |
| Width | Approx. 1.25 inches (Square, based on comparison to pushpin) |
| Function | Pill Box, Snuff Box, or Wearable Amulet Fob |
2. Item Details & Design ✨🎨
The box is a significant piece of folk metal art:
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Shape: Small, square/rectangular box with a hinged lid.
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Lid Iconography: The entire lid is covered in symbols deeply rooted in Southwestern culture, including four Thunderbirds (or Eagles), two Sun/Starburst symbols, Zigzag (Water/Life) motifs, and a central Diamond/Earth symbol.
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Technique: The designs are meticulously applied via hand-stamping and set against a deeply oxidized (dark) background to create a high-contrast, bold aesthetic.
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Closure: Features a strong hinge and a unique wide carrying bail/loop (fob) at the back, allowing it to be worn as a pendant or attached to a chain.
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Mark: Clearly stamped "STERLING" on the back base.
3. Historical/Period Context 🌏🕰️
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Period: Mid-20th Century (c. 1940s–1960s). This era is prized for its high-quality, heavy-gauge sterling silver Native American stampwork before mass production took over.
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Significance: The box is not only a functional object but a piece of cultural artwork, with the symbols (Thunderbird, Sun) representing powerful forces and protection.
4. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐
This item is perfect for:
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Collectors of Vintage Sterling Silver Native American Art and Southwestern Jewelry.
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Enthusiasts of Tribal Symbolism and unique Miniature Boxes/Fobs.
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Buyers seeking a verified sterling piece with a strong, historical aesthetic.
5. Condition & Valuation 💎💰
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Condition: Excellent Vintage Condition. Structurally sound with a strong hinge and clasp. The piece retains its original, heavy antique oxidation (patina), which is desirable and should be preserved. The stamped details are deep and sharp.
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Rarity: High (Verified sterling pieces with such dense, symbolic stampwork are scarce).
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Valuation Strategy: Price is maximized due to the Verified Sterling Silver Purity, the high quality and density of the Native American Stampwork, and its dual function as a box and a wearable fob.