Up for your consideration is this vintage Native American Navajo handmade silver bolo, featuring three nice turquoise stones (they could be Bisbee turquoise) created by Navajo Silversmith Ramone Platero. Ramone was a silversmith in the Albuquerque shops and presumable was one of the first to use the leaf in silver jewelry, according to Barton Wright in "Hallmarks of the Southwest." His work is now highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors.

The main bolo piece measures 1-3/4" tall by 1-1/2" wide. Old silver crimp bolo slide on the back. The silver tips are 2-1/2" long. The black leather bolo tie is soft but not worn. Excellent condition, needing only a gentle polish.

This piece was purchased from a private collection. It is hallmarked "HANDMADE' and has Ramone's unmistakable distinctive hallmark.

Ramone's wife is Louise Platero, also a silversmith, and his older brother is Dan Platero. Ramone's father was Pablo Platero, one of the finest Navajo silversmiths yet.

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.