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These wonderful, 1950's sterling silver bookmarks were crafted by Frank Patania Sr. (1889-1964). Both feature an inlaid Sunface Zuni design, with flat set turquoise, coral, mother of pearl and jet. The channel and mosaic inlay is meticulously done.
They measure 3 7/8" long by 3/4" wide. One is hallmarked with his conjoined FP, sterling and the Thunderbird Shop mark and the other has the conjoined FP and sterling.
Frank Patania Sr.'s was born in Messina, Italy in 1899, he followed the European tradition of apprenticeship in jewelry making. He was introduced to the work of the Native Americans in the 1920’s. He soon opened his first business called the Thunderbird Shop, located in Santa Fe, NM near the famous downtown plaza in 1927. Moving to Tucson and looking for a second location in the 1930's, Frank open a shop there in 1945. He ran both shops for the remainder of his life. Frank taught and employed Native American artist at both locations. Better known artists, such as Julian Lovato of the Santo Domingo pueblo in New Mexico and Arthur and Andy Rivera, along with many others.
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- Our collection of Frank Patania Sr. pieces we have for sale. Pins, Ranger buckles, Boxes and bracelets.
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