Zuni JOHN LEEKITY (JOHN GORDON LEAK) Ring Size 8 & Pendant CG Wallace Knifewing

Description

Welcome.
I'm offering for your consideration a rare and exceptional example of an inlaid stunning knifewing ring and a matching pendant by John Leekity, who was known as John Gordon Leak in the CG Wallace catalog. This exact knifewing design is depicted several times, attributed to John Gordon Leak, in the C. G. Wallace Sotheby's auction catalog. I'll include a page with one example of many. The artist is also discussed in two articles by the exceptional researcher, Ernie Bulow. Here is a link to the article in the ATADA News on this subject, issue Summer 2014:
https://www.atada.org/atadanews/cATADA3-14web-new.pdf
The inlay on this ring is great. Into jet is set turquoise and red abalone and mother of pearl, in the form of a knifewing figure with a big hat. There's a serrated bezel setting which is entirely framed first in twisted wire and then in hand applied raindrops encircling the inlay. This is all hand worked from ingot silver.  The pendant is the same knifewing design and also framed in serrated bezel setting and then the twisted wire, but not in the additional hand applied raindrops. The condition of the pendant shows more wear than the ring which you can see in the magnified pictures but in person I don't see the wear. The entire design seems simple but it's very sophisticated and awesomely gorgeous. These are important finds and exceptionally beautiful. They are best examples of their type and I now have a pair of matching earrings I'll soon be adding to the store.
Condition is superb vintage and collectible with minimal wear to the stones given the age of the pieces. This ring is size 8, and of course can be sized by a jeweler using laser, cold solder. The face of the ring is c. 1-1/8" (2.86 cm) x 1-1/8" (2.86 cm). The shank is chisel split into three near the face and has three raindrops on each side near the face, all hand done, all hand worked. The pendant dimensions are 1-1/8" (2.86 cm) High without bale x 7/8" (2.22 cm) Wide. The hanging length is 1-3/8" (3.49 cm). As I mentioned the pendant shows more wear in the magnified pictures than the ring, which looks perfect in magnification, but in person the pendant looks great to me, even wearing my old eyes magnified glasses it looks great. It's a wonderful match for the ring, the silver work was also done by the same person at the same time as the ring, having the same frame without the raindrops.
John Leekity was a high profile member of the Zuni nation. He was a dancer and a runner and a great silversmith. He is well represented in the CG Wallace catalog but for some reason that is not currently known, is called John Gordon Leak in the catalog. This ring and pendant are superb examples of his work, very fine indeed. They are fabulous and so flattering so elegant. These are historic pieces.
These are museum quality pieces suitable for the best of collections. They are rare examples made by one of the most important early silversmiths. They are wonderful and exceptional. I'd prefer not to separate them but I would if you wanted. You can talk to me about that as well as time payments if you need them. You don't find these great examples any more unless you're willing to pay much much more money or unless they have considerable damage, so this is a rare opportunity to acquire these masterpieces at great pricing and in great condition.
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Returns will be accepted for 30 days after your receipt for any reason and without question. Please let me know if you would like to return something. Returns must be in the same condition they were shipped. If I make a significant mistake in a listing I'll always give you a full refund. The 20% restocking fee does not apply when the mistake is mine. I care that you're happy and about my accuracy, and will always stand behind my work. My attributions are guaranteed for my lifetime.
When I include pages from published books in my listings it is in accordance with Fair Use Law, which permits the use of source material for discussion, reference, education and criticism.
Attributions on many of the old pieces of Native American jewelry are sometimes a moving target. All the books have errors, so in addition to counterchecking, I have developed some expertise over the years and I do care about getting it right, so as more information comes to light I update my listings and also get in touch with my previous buyers, to inform them of any changes in attributions. I am sincerely committed to ongoing accuracy.
Everything I sell comes from my personal collection or is something that I would include in my personal collection. Most pieces are museum worthy and gallery suitable, sold to you at great pricing. I vet every item carefully for quality and condition, and offer you the best. I want you to be able to rely on me for top quality, superb items that are often unique and rare examples of old antique vintage southwest, indian, native american and fine gold and gemstones, whether you're starting a collection or adding to one, or want something great to wear or gift. My goal is that all my buyers are delighted, that my special pieces find the right homes.