My grandmother recently passed away and I inherited a few pieces of jewelry. The one that most caught my eye was a Thunderbird. I’ve cleaned it up the best I can without taking it to a jeweler, but I was curious if anybody knew anything about FW I’m assuming it was 1972. any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Native American maybe !! 
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Alaskan? ----____---- 
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We’re in Alberta Canada so very much could be
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1971 Philip Thorn Native Arts of the North Coast Carving of The Thunderbird | #1787016075
Thunderbird Pewter Ornament – Chic Winds
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It looks very similar possibly could be but the chain is welded together onto the silver piece so I don’t think it’s an ornament but could be very well made from this person, but still not sure why it would be dated FW 72’ thank you
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Charlie Bowie, Navajo.
Native American Indian Jewelry Navajo Charlie Bowie Turquoise Mosaic Inlay Pendant Necklace
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This wide-ranging survey of Native American jewelry is all very fascinating. Too bad none of it gets us any closer to knowing who “FW” was.
The only matching initials are of Fred Weekoty, from the Zuni pueblo, but his pieces are always stamped with “F.W.” above the word “ZUNI.” And the style of this piece doesn’t suggest Zuni, to me. This has more of a “northwest” feel to it, rather than southwest.
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I was going to write about this yesterday, but in this case I decided it was irrelevant. Anyway, it was a clue…
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The center of the eagle has a totem face which is typical Northwest Costal Native pieces their totems and icons. I collect and sell allot of jewelry IMHO it is from the far north a Canadian tribe. The initials FW is probably a native craftsman, did your Grandmother travel to Canada or Alaska in the 1970’s? It could be silver have it tested to verify as its not marked sterling or 925. I did an image search and there are several similar Northwest Costal Native pieces. The center totem looks like the eagle typically artist put the totem of the larger animal or bird we recognize in their pieces, raven with raven, bear with bear. Try this link The Eagle Indigenous Symbol | Spirits of the West Coast – Spirits of the West Coast Art Gallery Inc. I web searched for the maker FW but was unsuccessful. Its a time consuming task you can try. The piece is very nice though not as thick and sculptural as the finest quality pieces made now. Most likely a tourist souvenir of a good quality of the 1970’s. A similar item in this style Canadian First Nations, Cutout Sterling Silver and 14K Gold Two-headed Eagle Pendant, Indigenous Native Jewellery, Tahltan Nation - Etsy
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Email: [email protected] Phone: 617-222-0683
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Cheers Bart, nice and Sunny there 
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Cheers, Alan! Here, in Poland, rainy & cold. 
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Email: [email protected] Phone: 617-222-0683
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When you are next in Gastown go to 332 Water St and show the gallery owner your piece. Or send them a screen shot. It’s Haida. The initials are probably for a member of the Lyle Wilson family but I do not know which. I think it’s a women artist and its an early naive piece on a commercial chain. If I am right the artist died about 1986 and her work is both scarce and collected. It’s a great piece, but lose the chain.
CRWW
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