McGinnis Turquoise Buckle and Bolo that I Originally Posted in 2022

My dad came by today to return my car and brought a bag of bolos that I had given him over the years. Not all by any stretch but some that he didn’t wear and thought I could sell to help my daughters car fund. Among them was the super heavy McGinnis bolo that is part of the set. I would like to revisit this and try to get an updated opinion about construction, turquoise and value since I believe that they are the best choice to sell first. @mmrogers if you can help I will really appreciate it. I will appreciate the opinions of the rest of you knowledgeable and experienced people also! Thanks everyone Reyna Platero Secatero Bolo and Buckle with McGuiness Turquoise

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Billy the Kid auction and Bradfords auction have been getting good prices. Worth a look at their sites and maybe a pre sale estimate for an idea.

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Thanks I had to quit looking at the Billy the kid ones because I always ended up bidding on something and nowadays I can’t afford that. Lol. I’ve only ever looked at Bradford a couple times, but I will definitely check them both out.

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Hand made, classic scalloped shadow box. Likely mid to late 70s. Turquoise is high quality and well matched. Should bring north of 2k for the set, bearing in mind this is going.to have a niche appeal. A great set for the right buyer or collector, @Islandmomma.

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Thank you for your help. I did find where the seller told me her parents purchased it in 1975. I think the turquoise is lovely. Maybe it’s time for some strength training and I’ll just wear it. :hugs:

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I know it goes against conventional orthodoxy, and if this were a set done in traditional Navajo style Stampwork rather than in the more unusual large shadowbox, I would recommend selling it as is. However, this set would absolutely pop with a high polish, or even a tasteful matte finish. The set was originally made to dazzle. In that sense, the patina may work against it. If you do decide to sell it and don’t find a buyer for this set with a natural patina, you may want to consider having it refinished with the sparkling mirror finish its maker originally intended.

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Being a Patina myself, I don’t take this lightly: I concur with @mmrogers that this bolo & buckle would benefit from a high polish. In this case, imo, the natural patina actually distracts from that beautiful turquoise. The patina also makes the set look dull-ish overall. I can visualize this set with a high polish, and it’s gorgeous.

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I think bringing back the deep black interior and polish the tops of the balls would go well with the mirror finish.

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I have always loved your username :grin:

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@Ziacat Thanks! (20 characters needed)

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Thank you for the discussion about polishing. It’s been in my dad‘s drawer for a few years now, and my first thought was I need to polish both of these pieces. Mine‘s been in the safe the same amount of time. I did wear the buckle as a pendant one time but it was uncomfortable with the hook poking me. Now I think I will polish and wear both pieces together and see if anybody comments. Lol
He also brought back my Bessie Yazzie bolo with Turquoise that I think might possibly be Lone Mountain. I bought it without a bolo cord and just kept it because I loved looking at it. Finally one winter I decided I would put a cord on it and give it to him for Christmas. I have wanted it back for years and was delighted when it was in the batch. I sat right there and put it on and told him I don’t think this one’s leaving me again. The other one that I always liked is a gorgeous fire agate with beautiful fire. I guess I will find other stuff around here to sell because there’s a preponderance of stuff. All the way to costume which sells surprisingly well. And I’d be a lot happier selling that. No I’m not a hoarder. :joy::woman_facepalming:

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Please show us when it’s polished up!

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