Now Closed Thanks

[87Burban]

Edit: See sales or trade thread for pics

Thanks All

 

[knarfeng]

I believe "Bolo Ties" is the proper nomenclature.

I used to go in for western buckles. To my eyes you have a mixture of cheapies and nicer stuff. No moon shots.

But I would guess that there are others here who could give a better estimate.

 

[Horsewright]

Yes indeed, those are bolo ties. I believe that the stone in the horseshoe bolo is called tiger eye and its a form of quartz so not a lot of value, just a couple of bucks. Also seems to be the stone in one of the buckles too. The inset on the right bolo looks like walnut to me, so I sure wouldn't think of much value either.

These style of buckles are often referred to as "trophy" buckles as they are commonly handed out as awards at different events, rodeos, horse shows, etc. Many of these appear to be cast so probably not a lot of value in them. The southwestern one with turquoise looks like its silver or maybe chrome plate with the plate flaking off, so again not a lot of value, except the turquoise itself, if its real. But when the quality of the rest of the buckle is what it is, ya wonder about that. I've made a lot of belts for folks that collect these southwestern types of buckles and the good ones are pretty much solid silver. I have them send me the buckle when I make the belt as they are often not true to size being handmade and I have to adjust the belt a hair for the buckle, so I've seen and handled many of em. Have one behind me on the counter right now.

I would think that really the only value here in this grouping might be sentimental, Otherwise not much. I mean somebody came in 4th in 1975 at the NCWHSR, whatever that is. So it might have some sentimental value but $, not so much.

I do collect some western items (reatas, hondos and bridle bits) and quality of craftsmanship is what I look for in those items. Thats whats missing in this grouping.

Here's a few buckles to compare too:

This one was special, my wife had this made for me for our 10th anniversary. Solid silver. My friend who made this for me, told me he had six hours in just removing the background silver to create the high relief.

This is a friend of mine and he does collect the southwest buckles. We've made him probably 8-10 fully carved belts for different buckles:

This local young lady sent me this selfie of her buckle and the belt we made her for it:

Mom of the young lady above had us make her a belt for her buckle too. The daughters trophy buckle is from the California Junior High School Rodeo Association:

This young lady, Emma, helps us on our ranch and in the shop sometimes too. This was a couple of years ago when she was 16. She won this buckle at a very prestigious event.

My friend, who made my buckle above, also made and donated a cantle plate (solid silver again) which she won too and I later helped her mount it on her saddle:

When ya come out of the arena smiling like that, ya know your run went good:

Local firefighter that also does some ranching:

Couple more southwestern ones:

Built this water buffalo overlay belt for our good friend Salty:

So anyhoo, sorry, but I don't think there is much here in your grouping.

 

[Hickory n steel]

The bolo tie on the left is made with tiger eye stone, I have one my dads uncle made him out of a piece of tiger eye he found on his farm back in Missouri.
The 2nd belt buckle looks like maybe a raintree, I have one a lot like it minus the horse head or whatever was originally on it.

The 4th buckle down also has a piece of tiger eye in the center, I think the 5th is a really dark piece of tiger eye as well.
I don't believe tiger eye is particularly valuable.

 

[87Burban]

Thanks All

These are now posted is sales and trade section