TOMMY SINGER: b.1940-d.2014
Tommy was best known for being the innovator of what was called "Chip Inlay" that began in popularity in the early 70's. This technique started when waste from the money he spent on turquoise & coral was laying on the floor from cutting. Hating to see this still 'good' material being swept up & dumped in the trash,he came up with this genius idea & that was to use these chips,by mixing them with some epoxy & filling them into his designs. This design has been stolen by people worldwide,but it's Tommy we give this credit to. There are many other styles credited to him(Including this buckle) & you can learn more by googling his name.
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THE BUCKLE:
Tommy was a 'traditional' Navajo silversmith & this 'cut out/overlay' was another style he mastered & was very much known for..Staying close to his ancestral roots,this is made in a traditional concho style that's extremely masculine & is a "manly man's" buckle. It is made of super heavy gauge sterling & my guess is at least 10 gauge, but could be 8 gauge. It's very weighty & solid & is literally indestructible.(See weights below)

I don't know how many blades he went through to do this buckle,but to saw through this heavy of a gauge,I'm sure it had to be many! In the east/west/north/south areas of the buckle, were all sawed out,including the artistically designed cut out/overlay area.

Beautifully sitting in an amazing hand made serrated bezel,is a good size cut of blue Kingman that actually has that '1970's" look.This was the kind of Kingman that was popular back then & it was used by everyone it seemed. The belt holder on the back measures 1-5/8" max,so for the belt to 'breathe',I would feel comfortable saying a 1-1/2" belt would be perfect.