Navajo Fred Harvey Thunderbird Turquoise Cast Silver Bolo 1940's Tucson Estate

From a long forgotten box in my office closet and another in a central Tucson estate at least three decades ago is this vintage Navajo cast ingot silver thunderbird bolo slide with an old version of friction fitting - here accompanied by its original silver cord terminals. The I believe 1940's or possibly earlier 1950's ornament has every bit of "the look", and absolutely nothing to do with anything current. It further benefits by having never been mounted and simply stored away for decades. There is strong stamp work including an early style arrow, with an applied stamp struck silver drop as well - a blue spiderweb turquoise stone elevates things nicely.

Thunderbirds and arrows are among motifs usually associated with the so called Fred Harvey genre of jewelry crafted specifically for period visitors. This, however, would not be a typical example within that category. Think wearable artwork instead - a visually charismatic Southwestern statement on the neck of some long gone Old Pueblo mover and shaker in its day and potentially on yours right now. Weight is good for the form at about 23.5 grams for the silver only - 31.9 grams with the cords. Condition is quite fine and pretty much as crafted, with a deep aura of time to the silver.

The turquoise is nicely preserved. Some minor surface oxidation to the friction type fitting from that slumber in a drawer is mentioned for accuracy.

The unused plaited cord still has its original taped ends. The overall impression is of something well chosen in the long ago and never committed to any service. A look at the pics should give a good idea of appearance and condition.

The thunderbird slide ornament is about 1 3/4 in. Vertical and 1 19/32 think 1 5/8 in. The silver cord tips are about 2 1/4 in. I don't know what else need be said, so there you are.

THIS IS LISTED AS U. The item "NAVAJO FRED HARVEY THUNDERBIRD TURQUOISE CAST SILVER BOLO 1940'S TUCSON ESTATE" is in sale since Thursday, November 19, 2020. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Men's Jewelry\Bolo Ties". The seller is "pooterpee" and is located in Tucson, Arizona. This item can be shipped to United States.

Main Stone: Turquoise
Metal: Sterling or Coin Silver