Bell Trading Post Bracelet, c.1930s

This is an old Fred Harvey-era bracelet designed to appeal to tourists visiting the Southwest. It is stamped with the Bell Trading Post hallmark of a bell and “Nickel Silver Bell.” The hallmark indicates this is an earlier piece produced by the trading post. Bell Trading Post was established on Route 66 in Albuquerque in 1932, and catered to tourists traveling on the new highway. Bell Trading Post copied the Fred Harvey business model of creating machinery to aide their Native American workers in producing jewelry. This bracelet is machine-stamped with traditional Navajo symbols including arrows, clouds, and the thunderbird. It measures 5” on the inside with a 1 2/8” opening. A great piece of authentic Route 66 history.