My IG friend KINGDUNCANOFTUCSON asks “How can you tell if something is really old ingot” Lets first define what is ingot? Silver ingot is a piece of relatively pure silver that has been cast into a shape suitable for working. So using this definition we can think of silver ingot as small bars made from coin silver, silver nuggets or silver remnants that have been melted down into a bar shape. Once the ingot “bar” has been poured and cooled to the right size, it was often hammered by the craftsman against an anvil, rail, stone or wood to flatten and shape it for further work. Older ingot pieces will show imperfections such as cracks, wrinkles and uneven surfaces. Under magnification you will find that many of the older pieces have slightly different thicknesses throughout the length of the piece. I also look for patina and wear as the older ingot items are not afraid to show their age. I hope this helps answer your question, Sandra!~
My IG friend, “Coilaevans” wants to know the background behind Chipeta Trading…I began Chipeta Trading 15 years ago to help other collectors learn, grow and share their knowledge of Historical Native Art within the collecting community! The art dealer world has many secrets and I wanted to share some of the behind the scenes knowledge to help others become better collectors. The name “Chipeta” comes from the wife of a Ute Chief, Ouray and I’ve always loved the name. It was the AKC name of my favorite Golden Retriever, too! As a concierge dealer, by appointment only, I try to take the time to personalize the discussions, while sharing all of the mistakes I’ve made so my clients don’t have to! The most important values of Chipeta Trading Company are the Honor and Respect that each item deserves! Each piece has a story, and a place in history. I believe that it is important to collect and preserve these cherished pieces of wearable art for future generations. These pieces speak to us, lets listen to what they have to say.
Great question! I grew up in Denver and my uncle was a picker of antiques, focused on Southwest Art during the 1960’s through the 90’s. He traveled around the West, Monday through Friday visiting Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and the Dakotas each week, trading, buying and selling everything from saddles to gold and silver. My family would have dinner at his house on the weekends upon his return. I was surrounded by Navajo rugs, katchina dolls, turquoise jewelry, plains bead work and historic photos. When I went away to college at the University of the Pacific, School of Business in California I became acquainted with the works of Edward S. Curtis, a photographer who wanted to capture the legacy of the indigenous tribes before their stories and way of life disappeared. I began to collect at age 18 and have been working on my collection every since. Once I moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, I could dedicate my time to the study, teaching, collecting and dealing of the material I am so passionate about!
Do YOU have a question for me? Please post it to Instagram, or email me at Don@chipetatrading.com
