I am interested in buying this bolo. Opinions on its general value, if its authentic, It’s stamped, H. Spencer. Thank you for any help!
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Quid pro quo. What are they asking for the bolo? And could we see the mark?
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I can’t offer any knowledge on the artist, or “authenticity”, but I am heavily interested in the design element of the thunderbird in Navajo silver. Through the abundant amount of looking I do for earlier pieces bearing the design, I’ve come across so many articulated eagle pendants, like below, that resemble the work in this bolo. On the examples I’ve seen, the craftsmanship is very poor, and I feel that they are mass produced pieces. This one sold for $160.
I don’t intend to sway you away from this bolo, I just wanted to share what I’ve come across.
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Thanks, yes, I saw that. Not sure what it really means. Is it in there collection due to its exceptionalism or something else? It looks very similar to this one in its size, it’s a large bolo.
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Thank you. This piece is offered at $400.
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I can purchase it for $400. Yes, it’s stamped, H. Spencer Sterling, on the back of the bolo. It is without the feather arrow, so must be earlier work prior to the addition of that on his stamps?
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So I think it’s odd that I’m seeing that same eagle on numerous pieces that have different hallmarks.
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Me too. I used to have one and while looking for comparisons online I found at least 5 or 6 different versions by different artists. I don’t remember ever seeing the bolo version though.
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There was a discussion on here regarding the eagle…Turquoise bird necklace
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Billy the Kid sold an H. Spencer men’s belt buckle for about $480 in 2018. I see eagle necklaces selling for $160 to $250 on average. Harry Spencer is a silversmith at Thunderbird. Might be him. You might want to verify it is his work or someone else
And just my opinion but many add $$$ if a persons work is in a book or museum which does not necessarily impart added value. I spoke with someone who worked at the Smithsonian. Most of us probably have “museum” items.
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Museums (especially minor ones) put things online that aren’t actually on display to the public, in the collection as donated objects. No more to it than that.
Concerning the bird, maybe block, “Southwestern style,” out there in multiples.
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Yes, I can believe that too about donated museum items.
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Thanks again, I appreciate your input. I believe Harry Spencer has pasted away now. I do like the Eagle, but I also like the silversmithing too. Once again I’m torn on what I’ll do. 
NA items are at a premium now. If you can verify a known silversmith made it, are comfortable with the price vs your liking the item, and have the $…
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Yes, Trying find a way to verify it’s actually a Harry Spencer item.
Check with Thunderbird first. They say he worked there for most of his 30 years. Or better yet, tell the seller for that $$$ they can track it down with them and copy you on the email.
Did you get a photo of the back?
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No, I didn’t. Really was trying not to not like it. Left the vendor just taking this picture. The stamp on the back was the middle one with the addition of sterling underneath it too. I’ll check with Thunderbird.
Update, He is alive. Darn Google, bad info