The bolo is signed on the back in script as "V Unkestine" for Zuni artisan, Victoria Unkestine. The clasp is marked Bennett Pat.
C-31 which is the earlist form of the Bennett clasp. This clasp was used from 1957 - 1967 and dates the bolo as an early Zuni sunface bolo. The bolo is not marked sterling but the bolo and tips tested as sterling or coin silver using a GXL Next Tester which is non-invasive. The Zuni sunface bolo is a substantial size and can be worn nicely by men and women. The workmanship on the bolo is high quality using stones of yellowish shell, turquoise, jet, coral and white mother of pearl.
There are silver balls around the sunface with beautiful details all over the sunface from the numerous channels of inlaid work. Width of bolo (side to side): 1 5/8. Height (top to bottom): 1 1/2. Length of sterling tips: 2 1/8. Length of tie with tips end to end: Approximately 44.
Tested positive for sterling silver. Signed on Bennett Clasp: Bennett Pat. The C-31 sterling silver sunface bolo is in excellent vintage condition with expected wear. The stones are secure in the settings. There are no cracks or chips in the inlay work that I can find. There are no damages and repairs that I can find. The braided leather tie is in very good condition with gentle use. The sterling tips are stamped and have fancy ends.There is a slight bend in one tip and a little dent in the other tip (see photos). This is a wonderful chance to acquire an early C-31 signed Zuni inlaid sunface bolo by Zuni artisan Victoria Unkestine. There is an nice old patina on the bolo and tips from age. I have collected many C-31 bolos through the years and the nicer ones in such wonderful condition are becoming much more difficult to acquire.
A real treasure for your collection and to pass along for future generations. Please examine the photos to assess the condition for yourself. Other items shown in the photos are for display purposes only. The item "Early C-31 Native American Sterling Silver Zuni Inlaid Sunface Bolo V Unkestine" is in sale since Wednesday, March 27, 2019. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Cultures & Ethnicities\Native American\ US\1935-Now\Jewelry".
The seller is "wilderness03" and is located in Deerfield, Virginia. This item can be shipped to United States.