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Perry's customers waiting for a photo opportunity
Perry's customers waiting for a photo opportunity

Perry Null is doing what he loves - trading with the area’s Native American People and meeting customers from all over the world. It has made his life full and very interesting. He starting working in the Indian Jewelry business in 1970. His life has been shaped by the many different experiences over the last three decades.

Perry’s first experience in the Trading Post business was buying jewelry from Native American silversmiths, in order to sell it. He was able to find some good silversmiths that also taught him some valuable things about the business. Navajo silversmiths Herman Charlie, Luke Begay, and Tom Claw made him several things in the early years. It was during this time that he learned about turquoise, silver, and how things are made. Perry would be asked to appraise the C.G. Wallace collection, judge at the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, and countless times approached to answer questions and appraise hand made Native American art and crafts.

Traditionally dressed children
Traditionally dressed children
A Navajo Ceremonial Princess
A Navajo Ceremonial Princess

Being a trader during the 1970s and 1980s was full of new experiences. Movie stars began wearing Silver & Turquoise jewelry in the early 1970s, creating a boom for Native American jewelry. It was difficult to keep up with the demand and it became a challenge to keep silversmiths, they were in such demand. As soon as the boom was slowing down the Hunt brothers tried to corner the silver market. In 1980 an ounce of silver rose above $50, and Perry pulled jewelry out of the cases to keep it from being bought just for the silver. Perry has always said he has never had a dull day in this business, and it has always been a fun learning experience.

Perry with C.G. Wallace
Perry with C.G. Wallace
Perry with Navajo silversmith Harry Morgan
Perry with Navajo silversmith Harry Morgan

Perry has been called upon to settle disputes between family members, help when a tragedy happens within a family, and when messages need to be sent among old friends or family members. That is what is required of an Indian Trader, along with being fair and trusted. He is always trying to make the deal work with his customers, and he understands their needs when a truck payment has to be made, a family member has returned from Iraq and they want to visit them in California, a child is returning to college, or just want a safe place to keep their valuable items. Perry has also gained a reputation for making and buying the good stuff and is visited by buyers from all over the world.

When visiting Gallup make sure you take the time to visit Perry Null Trading Company. Perry’s store is full of Native American treasures, and whether you are looking for jewelry, kachina dolls, pottery, or rugs you are going to find it at Perry’s. A good chance you might find a rare collectible since Perry knows and deals with many of today’s most recognized artists. During his trading days he has bought from Dan Simplicio, Alice Quam, Hoskie Jim, Warren & Doris Ondelacy, McKee Platero, Perry Shorty, Harry Morgan, Raymond Yazzie, Marvin Toddy, and Thomas Curtis to name a few. Perry is always ready to give his customers an oral history of pawn and tour of his store.

Like the Traders of the past Perry is always encouraging his artists to try new things and make it better. He has influenced the artists he has worked with and the people in his life. Perry is a man of faith who is actively involved in his local church, and has sat on many local civic organizations to make Gallup a better place. He is an avid outdoorsman who loves the ruggedness of the Four Corners area, and is a private pilot that enjoys starting many days from the air above the local area. Much of his free time is spent with his wife and two grandchildren. Please stop by his Trading Post next time you are in Gallup, until then enjoy the website.

Perry Null Showroom
Perry Null Showroom