This is one of famous Zuni artist Vera Luna's signature shriner bolos. Vera Luna (1930-1982) was an exceptional Zuni Silversmith & Lapidarist who specialized in channel inlay work. As a noted Zuni artist, her work is featured in many high end galleries, collections, and in all the major Native Jewelry catalogs and reference books. Her work is highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors. Each piece can be considered one of a kind because, although the design is the same, Vera would change the position or size or color of the inlay to make it unique. The stones used in this bolo are turquoise, coral, mother of pearl, gold lip mother of pearl, jet, and most likely (looks like) tortoise shell. The blade of the sword is polished sterling silver. This is a top quality Zuni bolo and you won't be disappointed with it. The design of the crescent moon, star and a sword is the Shriner's emblem.
The bolo measures 1-7/8 inch tall by 2-3/8 inch wide. The black leather braided bolo tie has 2-1/8 inch long sterling silver bolo tips.
Hallmarked V.LUNA on a raised silver plaque. It is not stamped sterling but I guarantee it to be sterling silver. circa 1970's. Excellent vintage condition. The silver bolo tips need a good polish.
This bolo has a Bennett Pat Pend slide which means the bolo was made sometime between 1967 - 1983. 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, the stamped Bennett slide stopped been used.