XL Belt Buckle H-L HELEN LINCOLN ZUNIE Zuni "Conestoga Wagon" Sterling Silver

Description

signed Helen and Lincoln Zunie,
Zuni
Extra Large
Sterling Silver Multi-Stone and Coral
"Conestoga Wagon" Belt Buckle
Sterling Silver and Channel Inlayed Stone, Shell, Coral, and Turquoise
Dimensions
3.51" X 2.7"
will accept a belt of up to 1.5
102.3 grams = 3.29 Troy ounces
(all measurement are approximate)
The US Quarter (.95"=24mm) and 0 Bill (2 5/8"=66mm) X (6 1/8"=155mm) is for scale
Helen and Lincoln Zunie Conestoga Wagon Belt Buckle
This wonderful Bull Buckle was made by the famous and talented Zuni artist couple Helen and Lincoln Zunie. They were active in producing jewelry from the 1960's into the 1970's. They are perhaps the most famous for their designs of various animals...
I love to trade these wagon items because they are so much fun. Also, I was told by my Grandmother and Mother that my family was involved in the manufacture of Conestoga Wagons long ago. The Buckle was made using a great deal of skill by talented Zuni artists. I had this Lincoln and Helen Zunie buckle in my collection for over a decade. I also have another Zuni Conestoga Wagon Bolo by another Zuni artist for sale on eBay right now. It is much smaller than this one but similar in style and construction. And yes, the wheels on this wagon turn and the Turquoise wheel brake works too!
This Conestoga Wagon is quite large, and yet it is somehow subtle due to its mostly muted glowing color...  I love the bright contrasting Red Coral too! Compare it to others that you might see in terms of the level of detail and fine finish. I am gratified that when I collected this (and other H-L Zunie Buckles listed in my Store), that I found the best examples out there.
As a noted Zuni artists,their work is displayed in several high end galleries and collections and in the major Native Jewelry catalogs and reference books. This is Hallmarked with the correct "H-L ZUNIE" stamp mark. It is not stamped Sterling, but i
t is guaranteed to be Sterling Silver and authentic. I have found no defects like cracked or loose stones, noticeable scratches, etc. in the Buckle. There is a light patina. I believe that you will be pleased!
The workmanship is exceptional and fine.
It features a raised channel inlay Shell, Turquoise, and Red
Coral and "running gear" that give lit a sense of animation and interest
. The Buckle is built up on a Sterling Silver base that has numerous contoured pieces of Shell set tightly into the intricate Sterling Silver frame of the Conestoga Wagon profile. The face of the Buckle is not flat but has a very
noticeable
contour making it more realistic and interesting to look at. Take a look at how the pleasing color of the Coral...
This is a highly desirable and iconic Helen and Lincoln Zunie museum quality heirloom. I am pleased to offer this to you for sale in my eBay Store.
This amazing Buckle is full of character and may be recognized by many people that know quality collectible Native jewelry. When you take a look at the pictures, please inspect the Buckle carefully for the fine detail in both design and execution. Your friends
may compliment you and your taste in Zuni Jewelry.
Thanks!
See Lots in my eBay Store!
Shipping anywhere in the USA is included, insurance is also included, of course...
Recommended
Reference Books - This artist is referenced if there is a page # shown below
"AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY I" - Gregory Schaff- page 339
"HALLMARKS OF THE SOUTHWEST"- Barton Wright - page 190
"THE LITTLE BOOK OF SOUTHWESTERN SILVER" - Billie Hougart - page 389
"ZUNI JEWELRY" - T. & M. Bassman - page 48
"ZUNI THE ART AND THE PEOPLE"- Bell- Volume lll, page 16
reference only Buckle 424