Item: Vintage Navajo Sterling Silver Bolo Tie Era: c. 1960s – 1970s Weight: 76 g (total with cord) Materials: Sterling silver, natural turquoise (likely Smokey Kingman NV), Mediterranean coral, leather Dimensions: Slide ≈ 2.75" × 2.5"; drop ≈ 8" with arrowhead dangles Marks: Stamped “STERLING” single initial “G” on back of center pendant;
original Bennett PAT. PEND. clasp.
Condition:
Excellent vintage condition; patina intact;
all stones secure;
original cord present.
This bolo exemplifies heavy molten-silver appliqué, a mid-century Navajo technique in which semi-molten silver is built up in layers on a sheet to create a “lava-flow” texture.
The method was favored by Gallup-area Navajo smiths in the late 1950s–1970s.
The central cabochon is, most likely Smokey KIngman turquoise (Nevada) with tight gray web matrix and vivid blue-green color; coral accents are natural Mediterranean. Silver raindrop appliqués and rope borders frame the design. Hand-cast arrowhead dangles finish the piece,
symbolizing protection and strength.
The Bennett PAT. PEND. slide mechanism was used approximately 1957–1972, fixing the date range. All elements are hand-soldered and consistent with authentic Navajo workshop construction.
Smokey Kingman turquoise is distinguished by its medium to dark blue hues
combined with a distinctive black matrix, giving each piece a striking,
