Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This bolo tie features a trapezoidal sterling silver slide ornamented with fine foliate chasing and vibrant turquoise chip inlay against a braided brown leather cord. The design balances delicate hand-engraved silver scrollwork with the mosaic-like texture of crushed turquoise set in resin, a hallmark of mid-to-late 20th-century Native American and Southwestern jewelry.
Story
Pioneered in the 1960s by master silversmith Tommy Singer, turquoise chip inlay transformed small stone fragments into striking mosaic art, defining Southwestern style for a generation.
Maker / Origin
While popularized by Navajo silversmith Tommy Singer in the late 1960s, chip inlay quickly spread across Navajo, Zuni, and Anglo workshops throughout Arizona and New Mexico. Pieces from this era range from individual signed masterworks to bench-made pieces crafted for the booming Route 66 trading post market.
Condition & Value
The silver shows an attractive light vintage patina with no apparent loss or cracking to the turquoise chip inlay. The braided leather cord appears intact and supple. Excellent preserved condition sustains top-of-range value.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.