Up for your consideration is this vintage Native American handmade bolo, featuring a detailed etched inlaid sterling silver buffalo, created by Zuni legend Joe Zunie. Buffalo Design with matching inlaid "hoof" tips. Joe Zunie was an exceptional Zuni Silversmith/Lapidarist who specialized in needlepoint, inlay and other work. His work is now highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors.

The main bolo piece measures 2-1/2" tall by 3" wide. Locking Bennett pat. pending clasp on the back. The silver tips are 1-1/2" long plus the inlaid buffalo hooves, for a total length of 3". The leather bolo tie is a bit worn in two spots but sill in good shape. Otherwise, excellent condition, needing only a gentle polish.

This piece was purchased for a private collection in the 1970's. It is stamped with Joe's personal hallmark "JZJ" and also "Joe Zuni".

The bolo slide on the backs on Native American bolos can aid in determining the age of a vintage bolo. Bolos were not made much before the 1930's. During that time, the backs of bolos were made with coin silver wires, not sterling. 1941 was the year sterling came into play. Bolos marked with a "Bennett Pat Pend C31" slide were made between 1957 until some time in 1967. Slides marked with a "Bennett Pat Pend" slide were made from 1967 - 1983. Sometime in 1983 saw the elimination of the stamped Bennett slide.