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

Description

Welcome.
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT IT:  a great old buckle attributed with confidence to Dan Simplicio with one of his most gorgeous black horse heads perfectly inlaid into white mother of pearl shell set on a plaque in the center. There are four beautiful old stones, one on each corner, in a luminous green color. The background is done with one of his typical stamps which has a cloud like appearance and the frame is stamped with a simple stamp he used on other pieces, too. The horse has a finely shaped head and muzzle with a flowing forelock and inlaid silver for his bridle, reins and collar. The plaque and turquoise are all set with his scalloped bezels and it's a gorgeous buckle with the original static runner. One of the galleries has a matching bolo with a matching horse head and one piece of turquoise on it. He didn't do many but they were always beautiful. I've included pics of some other very fine Dan Simplicio pieces in my store, 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 three stones show minor matrix loss; the fourth stone has a crack and more loss but is not apparent looking straight on and in person looks much better than in the magnified pics. I elected to leave the originals. The inlay plaque is in perfect condition as is the rest of the buckle itself.
MEASUREMENTS:
• buckle measures 3" X 2-1/2".
• weighs 73.71grams.
• it can hold a belt up to 1-1/2"
• the turquoise pieces average about 1/2" X 3/8"
• 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 has a lovely old patina which works beautifully against the colors and textures. I recommend this one for any collection. This is a gorgeous piece by the renowned Dan Simplicio, whose work commands very high prices, with justification. He is one of the most important Zuni artists from the CG Wallace period and his naturalistic free form style of work has become one hallmark of that era. This is a beautiful buckle which can be worn every single day with pleasure and pride. It's priced way under market for his work, at least for now. I've included pics of other pieces of his I have available separately in my store.
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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.