Fashion
This one-of-a-kind purse was commissioned between 1952 and 1954 by Walter R. Bimson, former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Valley National Bank of Arizona, as a special order for his wife.
This magnificent work by Kenneth Begay was truly ahead of its time and helped establish him as the “Father of Modern Navajo Jewelry.”
(The White Hogan Estate extends its heartfelt gratitude to Alston and Deb Neal of the Old Territorial Indian Arts in Scottsdale for their role in the re-acquisition of this remarkable work of art.)
Silver purse by Kenneth Begay, commissioned in 1955.
A year later Kenneth Begay received First Place at the 1956 Gallup Ceremonial for this purse, as inscribed on the inside rim.
Examples from Kenneth Begay’s designs for women’s watches.
The White Hogan created numerous belt buckles, customized with everything from personal initials to corporate logos. Handcrafted with care, each piece stands as a unique and lasting treasure.
Customized pins and pendants made with silver and ironwood.
This unique set of purses was designed by Virginia Bonnell, with interchangeable Kenneth Begay handles and decorative pins, offering the wearer versatile styling options to suit any ensemble.
The cuff links above were special ordered by Louise Keelty for her husband James Keelty Jr., one of the founding members of the Baltimore Orioles. Louise's letter, from 1956, reads as follows:
Dear Sirs,
Mr. Keelty and I have liked and enjoyed-our Oriole silver jewelry we bought from you. What I would like to order a tie clasp for Mr. Keelty. I gave him the cuff links for Father's Day and I know he would like to have the clasp. I am sure you have made others in the baseball motif. I suppose it would be in the form of a baseball hat, so use your own judgement.
Thank you for your kind attention to this order.
Sincerely,
Louise H Keelty (Mrs. James Keelty Jr.)
P.S. Would like to order an Oriole belt buckle with brown leather belt size 36, The bat + buckle in sterling. Please acknowledge this order. Thanks L.H.K.