Frank Patania Sr. (1899-1964) was born in Messina, Italy. Following the European tradition of apprenticeship, he was apprenticed to a goldsmith when he was 6 years old. After repeatedly doing mundane jobs, he was able to prove his worth and his ability as a master. It was a part of a master's understanding of every aspect of the craft and the discipline to put that understanding to work. He moved to New York City at the age of 10, during the Industrial Revolution, with his mother and siblings. At 19, he got hired as a jewelry designer for Goldsmith, Stern & Company. In 1927, Frank opened his first Thunderbird Shop. Native American design influenced his own style and motifs, which was seen in his early works. died to cancer in 1964, but his legacy is lived on through his son Frank Jr. Patania, and his grandson, Sam Patania.