Zuni Dan Simplicio Belt Buckle Mosaic Inlaid Horse Head into Shell w Turquoise

Description

Welcome.
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT IT:  a wonderful old buckle attributed with confidence to Dan Simplicio with one of his most gorgeous white horse heads perfectly inlaid into brown shell set and with a set natural turquoise hand cut and carved stone. The inlay of the horse is extremely finely detailed with inlaid silver halter and reins and forward pointing ears with forelock and fine muzzle. Both the plaque with the inlay and the stone are bezel set with hand made scalloped bezels and adorning them are a classic Dan Simplicio leaf and stamped raindrop along with four plain raindrops. The buckle has a hand made runner for the belt and on the front it is textured beautifully, with a hand stamped frame. This is classic Dan Simplicio work with the sort of inlaid horse head which is typically only his work, including the forelock. It is a gorgeous buckle that is a great match for a Dan Simplicio horse head bolo currently in my store and available separately. I'm including a picture of that bolo and some other Dan Simplicio pieces available in the store now, each available separately.
BACKGROUND: Dan Simplicio was one of C. G. Wallace's favorite smiths. He was versatile and prolific. His work was prominently featured in the 1975 Sotheby's auction of the C. G. Wallace collection. Work from this collection is in the permanent collection of the Heard Museum in Phoenix. Dan Simplicio is credited for having been the first to use natural nuggets in his work. The buckle is not signed nor marked for silver content. He rarely signed his work, but this buckle is typical of his style in every respect. It has natural turquoise nuggets which have aged to varying degrees so have a nicely variegated coloration, and all the work is hand made.
CONDITION: very good vintage, wearable and collectible. The turquoise stone has some hairline cracks you can see in the magnified pictures but it is stable and those issues aren't visible to my eye without magnification. Overall it looks perfect to the eye and it's spectacularly beautiful.
MEASUREMENTS:
• buckle measures 2-1/2" X 1-1/4".
• weighs 33.9grams.
• it can hold a belt up to 1"
• as usual for the times, not marked for silver content but it's sterling at .925 or at least coin at .900
• unsigned but confidently attributed to Dan Simplicio, Zuni
SUMMARY:
Dan Simplicio was one of the great master silversmiths in Zuni history who worked for C. G. Wallace and is well represented in the C. G. Wallace Sotheby's catalog. He was vastly talented and worked in many techniques and styles. Truly a great master, his work commands top prices and is in the best museums and galleries. This buckle is exceptionally beautiful early work with the exquisitely fine inlay into shell of the horse's head and his hand carved turquoise stone and his prototypical leaf and stamped raindrop along with the detailed stamped frame it's a really special belt buckle which can be worn with anything. The belt is the right size to work with jeans, and should fit all pants and skirts in my opinion. The wonderful horse head is really great with the Dan Simplicio horse head bolo I have in my store now, too. This is a highly collectible work of art.
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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.