65: RARE HAND HAMMERED ANASAZI PLAQUES FOR SANTA FE RR

A pair of finely worked hand hammered and chased plaques credited to the interior appointment of a stainless steel passenger car manufactured by the Budd Company for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad around 1937. The one remaining intact stainless steel passenger car from this series, the Nambe, includes a nearly identical example (same size, material and technique - different design) on the wall of its private compartment area.
Note that one of this pair retains a tape fragment verso with the lettering Budd PC #768... in pencil. Both are expertly wrought by hand from aluminum.
The first depicts a Zuni eagle dancer in high relief and surrounded by heartline dogs, a Yei Spirit figure arched above the dancer and a lightning bolt snake or Avanyu below - all within a hand hammered ground.
The second, a Hopi kachina dancer in high relief surrounded by Anasazi symbols similar to those found on Mimbreno dinnerware, along with other traditional symbols, all within a hand hammered ground.
There were numerous aluminists working in this period of the 1930s. These unsigned works resemble the work of Arthur Armour (1908-1998), among others.
Each measures 23 inches in diameter.
Very good original condition, there are no issues of damage or repair.
Provenance: The Collection of Ed McHugh, Massillon, Ohio
$2,000 - $3,000