Zuni Navajo BEST Rattlesnake Morenci SpiderWebbed Turquoise Bolo 1957-early1960s

  

I'm offering for your consideration a rare early and important bolo displaying stunning hand cut and buffed nuggets of what appears to be natural Morenci spider webbed turquoise of the finest quality and haunting coloration, hand set in scalloped hand made bezels and entwined among these stones is a gracefully applied rattlesnake all hand stamped in a detailed and unique manner. Note the details of the rattles, too. We don't see that in the Calavaza snakes. There are also applied pieces of silver stamped with some of the stamps used on the snake. This is a snake with dot inlaid turquoise eyes and more details than most of the snakes we see on this old spectacular jewelry.

A flattened wire was used for the snake body but it was applied in a natural and graceful manner with a lot of motion and movement and dimensionality which we rarely see. I recently noticed there may be also a spider on the left. The turquoise has a generous amount of pyrite and also a very intense color that is knockout beautiful. The stones have some shallow lines we can see in magnification, which seem to be more matrix related, nothing endangering the integrity of the piece.

The stones seem to be in great shape to me, the longest of which measures over 5/8" (1.59 cm) long and the shortest about 1/2" (1.27 cm) long. The entire bolo is in superb vintage, collectible and wearable condition. There is a lot about this bolo that is reminiscent of Dan Simplicio's work but it is not usual in every respect for his work so I don't feel certain that I know who made it. I don't know who else could have made something this great but there are a lot of master artists who have never been identified and I can't rule out one of the unknown great masters as having created this one.

I've owned it for a really long time and never succeeded in a definitive identification. I'd be happy to hear ideas. It is unsigned which is usual for that period of time. It is also not marked for silver content which is usual for that time. This bolo measures 2-1/2" (6.35 cm) high x 2" (5.08 cm) wide? The tips are original, are hand made, and measure 2 (5.08 cm) high. The tie is old, supple and was still useable when I originally wrote this, measuring end to end with the tips about 38 (96.52 cm). There are five beautiful pieces of turquoise, very striking, with the rare and wonderful rattlesnake entwined. The work on the stones, their settings and the inlaid eyes are really very much like Dan Simplicio's work.

The unusual natural look of the snake is something Dan Simplicio would do, as well. But it is the stamps on the snake and on the applied silver which are what is stumping me as they are not ones I've seen on his work. I wouldn't be surprised to know in the end that this bolo is his work, experimentally so, when he was trying out different methods. All of it is as good as his best quality work.

The mark on the back is #87, which doesn't tell me anything -- probably one of the trader's marked it as part of a lot of items. This is a gorgeous bolo and as collectible as you can find. The stones are valuable and gorgeous and so is the workmanship.

I commend it for your collection and the pleasure it will afford you, as it has me. It is a masterpiece and hauntingly beautiful. Be sure to add me to your favorites list. Take a look at my store.

Yes, I sometimes can take reasonable offers. It's less expensive and is also tracked.

First Class International is no longer offered by the US Postal Service. I care that you're happy and about my accuracy, and will always stand behind my work. My attributions are guaranteed for my lifetime.

When I include pages from published books in my listings it is in accordance with Fair Use Law, which permits the use of source material for discussion, reference, education and criticism. Attributions on many of the old pieces of Native American jewelry are sometimes a moving target.

All the books have errors, so in addition to counterchecking, I have developed some expertise over the years and I do care about getting it right, so as more information comes to light I update my listings and also get in touch with my previous buyers, to inform them of any changes in attributions. Everything I sell comes from my personal collection or is something that I would include in my personal collection. I vet every item carefully for quality and condition, and offer you the best.

I want you to be able to rely on me for top quality, superb items that are often unique and rare examples of old antique vintage southwest, indian, native american and fine gold and gemstones, whether you're starting a collection or adding to one, or want something great to wear or gift. My goal is that all my buyers are delighted, that my special pieces find the right homes.