JIM PLATERO BOLO TIE Navajo TUFA CAST Sterling Silver GEM Turquoise Fancy Tips!

Description

signed Jim Platero - Navajo
Large
Tufa Cast Bolo Tie!
most likely made between 1978 and 1983
Gem Grade Turquoise and Sterling Silver
Dimensions 2.57 X 2.0
"
Sterling Silver Tips 2.0" length
Black Leather Lanyard length is 18.5 X 2 = 37"
57.4 grams = 1.85 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
Large Tufa Cast w/ Gem Turquoise Bolo Tie
This Bolo Tie was made by Jim Platero, 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! Jim was taught by his father Thompson Platero and began making jewelry in 1978. It is signed with a hallmark "J P"depicting the name of the artist on reverse of the bolo pendant and on each of the Sterling Silver Tips. I'm assuming that these heavy and distinctive tips were made by him personally. It is Not stamped Sterling but is guaranteed to be Sterling Silver. The back of the Bolo pendant has a Bennett Pat Pend. clasp, AND there is an additional wire "guide" to keep the bolo cord nicely aligned. There is 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 or Tips. The cord is supple and the Stone is fine!
The design of the Tufa Cast Silverwork is interesting in its combination of Rope Work and softer elements.  It all works together to create an outstanding presentation that is in balance. This is an impressive Bolo Tie that demonstrates one mans vision as expressed 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: M-Z" page 145
"HALLMARKS OF THE SOUTHWEST"- Barton Wright page137
THE LITTLE BOOK OF SOUTHWESTERN SILVER" - Billie Hougart page 273
"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 b259