Vintage bolos Zuni and?

Identifying & Discovering
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I recently acquired a couples wonderful vintage bolos from the estate of a deceased friend who was an avid collector. I don’t know if I’ll keep them or sell them, but I love the workmanship in both.
The first is a gorgeous heavy channel inlay bolo ca 1960. It has the previously discussed hallmark RLB ( Robert Leekya vs Robert Leekity - see
Which RLB is it?)
I cannot find any references of Robert Leeyka doing channel inlay, or much information on Robert Leekity. The silver work looks typical of Leekya.

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The second bolo is a mid-large inlaid shell set in silver and hallmarked DR, with 1974 etched on the back. The only reference to this hallmark I found was Dennis Ramone (San Felipe). I’ve always associated shell inlay with Zuni jewelers and shell mosaic overlay with Kewa jewelers.

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I’d appreciate any information or thoughts about these wonderful bolos

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Both lovely! I especially like the inlay on the top. Pretty sure the rLb is for Robert and Bernice Leekya.

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I’m in total agreement @Islandmomma. I can’t see 2 different individuals, Leekya and Leekity, using the same hallmark and producing very similar silverwork. And the RLB hallmark includes Leekya’s wife Berniece (thus the B). I really think there never was a Robert Leekity and that over the years a mistake was made and passed along. I’d love to be proven wrong, but I sure can’t find Robert Leekity in any of my references :grimacing:

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The glow of the Blue Gem in the fish scale inlay bolo! :heart_eyes: I’m a sucker for special bolo tips, and this puppy sure has 'em. Lovely additions both.

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