Important Zuni Museum Quality Ralph Quam Chief's Head Bolo Channel Mosaic Inlay for Sale

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Important Zuni Museum Quality Ralph Quam Chief's Head Bolo Channel Mosaic Inlay For Sale

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Important Zuni Museum Quality Ralph Quam Chief's Head Bolo Channel Mosaic Inlay:
$950.00

Welcome.

I'm offering a rare and gorgeous large Comanche bolo of museum quality, which was made by Ralph Quam from 1973-1983. A few people who lived in Zuni and knew the people involved have told me that Raymond Quam didn't do any silver work and that he was incorrectly attributed with having made the Chief's Head jewelry. That misattribution was repeated in more than one publication. The authors of the books on which the collectors rely were copying the info from other books and the misattribution became compounded. The actual artist for these works of art was Ralph Quam. I've received this information from more than one source now though I believe that Ernie Bulow did the definitive research on it, and I strongly believe it's important to correctly credit the artist. The face and channel inlay and mosaic inlay work on this bolo are great examples of Ralph Quam's careful work with dimensionality and complex choice of gorgeous stones and shells. But the surprisingly unique and magnificent work on this bolo was done on the silver work for both the bolo and the hand made tips. This Chief's Head is surrounded by carefully hand made silver feathers with incision work and stamp work that is carefully detailed and spectacular. He used the same stamp that he used on the outer area of the feathers on the hand made tips. The work is just phenomenal.

I've owned many of his chief's heads and this is not just his work but his top quality, best, work; it's very exceptionally elaborate and spectacular, with fabulous detailing. The turquoise is all a rich light blue-green color, very clean of matrix. You can see what seems to be some surface discoloration spots on it in the magnified pictures but to the eye this is not an issue and I personally wouldn't buff it off. There is one hairline in the turquoise, not endangering the safety of the piece. The beautiful natural stones and shells include yellow lip shell, red abalone, penn shell, reflective mother of pearl shell and jet. Of course, all the stones were hand cut and buffed and shaped for this piece. This is a completely breathtaking piece of work in every respect.

This bolo measures 3-3/8" H X 2-3/4" W, a very good size. The tips are 1-7/8" long, the tie end to end with the tips measures about 44-1/2". The hand made tips are unique with layers of silver and stamp work and fluted balls. The tie is perfectly wearable showing little wear but not soft feeling as of this writing. This bolo is in excellent vintage wearable and collectible condition, and it is signed R Quam. The one hairline was noted above and minor surface discoloration on the turquoise.

This is a museum quality very rare piece and will be a proud addition to your collection. I do have two of his other bolos, each distinctive and special, in my store. This one is a true masterpiece -- wearable art at its best!

RED TAPE:

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Yes, I sometimes can take reasonable offers.

I request payment by PayPal in two days, but planned in advance of purchase, alternate payment methods and time payments can generally be arranged.

I generally ship same day. Domestic: FREE expedited US shipping.

International buyers pay actual shipping cost if I’m shipping myself rather than using ’s Global Shipping service, and International buyers are responsible for any customs fees their own countries may apply. Please discuss changing shipping method prior to purchase. My shipping defaults to Express International, which is tracked and insured, but I can use Priority Mail International. It's less expensive and is also tracked. First Class International is no longer offered by the US Postal Service. I charge the actual shipping cost and since shipping to each country costs a different amount, I will charge a little extra and refund the exact difference once I can put your address in and print a shipping label. I am no longer shipping to Italy and China, but can make exceptions if you speak with me about it, especially if you are a prior customer.

I'm no longer accepting returns having refunded $1350 for a bracelet I never received. Returns must be in the same condition they were shipped. If I make a significant mistake in a listing I'll always give you a full refund. The 20% restocking fee does not apply when the mistake is mine. I care that you're happy and about my accuracy, and will always stand behind my work. My attributions are guaranteed for my lifetime.

When I include pages from published books in my listings it is in accordance with Fair Use Law, which permits the use of source material for discussion, reference, education and criticism.

Attributions on many of the old pieces of Native American jewelry are sometimes a moving target. All the books have errors, so in addition to counterchecking, I have developed some expertise over the years and I do care about getting it right, so as more information comes to light I update my listings and also get in touch with my previous buyers, to inform them of any changes in attributions. I am sincerely committed to ongoing accuracy.

Everything I sell comes from my personal collection or is something that I would include in my personal collection. Most pieces are museum worthy and gallery suitable, sold to you at great pricing. I vet every item carefully for quality and condition, and offer you the best. I want you to be able to rely on me for top quality, superb items that are often unique and rare examples of old antique vintage southwest, indian, native american and fine gold and gemstones, whether you're starting a collection or adding to one, or want something great to wear or gift. My goal is that all my buyers are delighted, that my special pieces find the right homes.