Pre-1978 New Mexico Native American Sterling Turquoise Bolo ~George Henry Navajo

Description

T
his auction is for a very fine & beautiful early sterling silver bolo with a gorgeous, old southwestern turquoise.  The wonderful turquoise is certain to be from an important old southwestern turquoise mine.  My father (1908 - 1995) spent his early years in Las Cruces, NM and collected Native American bolos all of his life.  He purchased this wonderful & now rare bolo at a gallery in NM many years ago.  It was one of his favorites and greatly cherished by him.
The bolo is signed "Navajo" and "G.H." in script on the back.  This is an early signature of George Henry of Crownpoint, NM.  My father purchased at least two bolos made by George Henry on his visits to NM.  (The later arrowhead bolo was made by George with his wife Nusie and is also listed on eBay.)
There are at least two ways to date the bolo.  The type of Bennett clasp was used from 1967 to 1983.  George Henry used this form of his signature in the years before 1978.  So the bolo is certainly pre-1978.  You can also look at the original leather tie on the bolo which is well worn (even through my father wore many other bolos in addition to this one).  My father gave the bolo to me in the later years of his life but I kept it packed away until now.
The stunning large turquoise has beautiful shades of green with a brown matrix.  The bolo is made of sterling silver (unmarked but tested for sterling) with traditional Navajo silversmithing around the turquoise.   The tips are squash blossom tips which were very popular with early bolo artisans and collectors.  The tips are unmarked but tested for sterling or slightly less using a GXL Next Tester which is non-invasive.
Specifics
Weight:  45.3 grams
Size of bolo face:  2" high x 1 1/2" wide
Size of turquoise:  1 1/2" high x 1" wide
Clasp:  Bennett Pat. Pend. (used circa 1967 to 1983)
Tips:  1 3/4"
Overall length of bolo (end to end):  approx 36"
Tested positive for sterling silver using GXL Next Tester
Signed:  Navajo and G.H. (in script and pre-1978)
The bolo is in excellent vintage condition with expected wear.  There are no cracks or chips in the turquoise.  There is a dark patina on the sterling silver.  The bolo may not have been polished since it was
purchased by my father when new
.  The tips are undamaged.  The braided leather tie is well worn but has no rips or tears.  The tie still holds the bolo nicely.  There could be surface scratches on the bolo & tips.  There are no damages and repairs anywhere that I can find other than the worn leather tie.
Bolo ties are very popular with both men and women.  Native American bolos are important works of art that only get better and increase in value with time.
This beautiful old George Henry bolo from early New Mexico is a treasure to be enjoyed & passed to future generations.  It is a rare work of Navajo art from old New Mexico.
Full USPS insurance coverage. Your purchase will be packaged with great care using new bubble wrap and a sturdy new cardboard box.  I usually ship daily except for Sundays and holidays.  Any excess shipping costs paid over actual cost will be
refunded to the  buyer.
Sold in the US only.  No international bids, please.  Will not ship outside the US.
I only accept PayPal.  I do not accept returns unless I make a significant error in describing this George Henry bolo.  Please make note of this policy before bidding.  Please examine the photos to assess the condition for yourself.
This auction is for the George Henry sterling silver turquoise bolo only as described above.  Other items shown in the photos are for display purposes only.