Extra Large BOLO TIE Navajo Indian TUFA CAST Sterling Silver with Fancy Tips!

Description

Extra Large
Navajo Tufa Cast Bolo Tie!
most likely made before 1957
Sterling Silver
Dimensions 3" X 2.25
"
Fancy Sterling Silver Tips
1.65" length
Black Leather Lanyard length
19" X 2 = 38"
61.7 grams = 1.98 Troy ounces
all measurement are approximate)
The US Quarter (.95"=24mm) and 0 Bill (2 5/8"=66mm) X (6 1/8"=155mm) is for scale
Extra Large Tufa Cast Sterling Silver Bolo Tie
This Bolo Tie was made by a talented Navajo artist using the Tufa Casting Technique to create a very beautiful bolo tie pendant. It demonstrates a high level of skill in both design and jewelry construction! It is not signed with a hallmark depicting the name of the artist on reverse of the bolo pendant. Unfortunately, it is very typical for cast pieces to not be signed. This is almost always true of the "older" ones. So, I have not been able to determine if there is any information available about the creator of this bolo. It is not stamped Sterling but is guaranteed to be Sterling Silver. The fancy tips are also Sterling. It has a lot of tarnish on the pendant. The bolo looks as it should for having been used for decades by a careful owner. There are no dents, cracks, or noticeable scratches, etc. in the bolo pendant.
The pre-1957 "Friction" clasp is fine. The bolo cord is Black made of leather and I just treated it with a conditioner, but it still seems a little stiff. It shows light wear. I believe it will please you...
The design of the Tufa Cast Silverwork is quite pleasing for a Bolo Tie Pendant. This is an impressive Bolo Tie that demonstrates the height of the art in Tufa Cast artistry.  It has a solid weight. I hope you are pleased with what you see...
As the Navajo say, "Walk in Beauty"
See Lots of Bolos in my eBay STORE
The "BOLO" Story and Myths
According to Wikipedia - Silversmith Victor Cedarstaff of Wickenburg, Arizona claims to have invented the bolo tie in the late 1940's and later patented his slide design.
According to and article in "Sunset Magazine" (April 2002) - Victor Cedarstaff was riding his horse one day and his hat blew off. Wary of losing the silver-trimmed hatband, he slipped it around his neck. His companion joked, "That is a nice-looking tie you're wearing, Vic."  An idea incubated, and Cedarstaff soon fashioned the first bola tie. (the name derived from bola, "boleadora", and Argantine lariat).
It is also said that similar creation has been around since about 1886-1888 that was devised by North American pioneers. There is one on display in the Zuni community that dates from that time.
As an Arizonan, I have heard for years that the bolo tie first became popular in about 1948. At that time there was a radio station in Wickenburg, Arizona that was promoting the bolo as a fashion statement for cowboys. It caught on and was adopted by ranchers. Soon, celebrities, politicians, musicains, and the movie set were sporting them. In the early 1950's they became the official neckware fo the State of Arizona and then an iternational sensation in the 1980's. Partner, this is a fad from the frontier town of Wickenburg that has caught on!
I ship anywhere
in the United States
for free. Insurance is included, of course...
I thank You and look forward to sharing a good experience!
Recomended Reference Books
"AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY I" - Gregory Schaaf
"AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY II: A-L"
"HALLMARKS OF THE SOUTHWEST"- Barton Wright
THE LITTLE BOOK OF SOUTHWESTERN SILVER" - Billie Hougart
"ZUNI JEWELRY" - Theda and Michael Bassman
"ZUNI THE ART AND THE PEOPLE VOLUMES 1-3" - Barbara & Ed Bell- Volume
"KNIFEWING AND RAINBOW MAN IN ZUNI JEWELRY"
for reference only b348