c1960 c-31 Gary Vacit Zuni Knifewing Sterling inlay large bolo tie 38" long, some wear to cord close to the tips. Considerably larger than most you will find.
Gary Vacit was the renowned son of Frank Vacit, one of the mot famous silversmiths who worked for C. G. Wallace and was collected by CG Wallace and whose work appears many times in the Sotheby's famous auction catalogue. Gary achieved his own renown. You'll find pictures of work like this in Bell's third "Zuni The Art and the People" book, and in most of the subsequent books as well, and in some of the most famous museums and galleries, such as the Kennedy Museum of Art. Gary worked with his wife, Paulinis Lamy Vacit, but I'm not sure they were collaborating at the time this piece was made. The Bennett would date the piece to mid 50's to mid 60's.
All precious metals are tested and guaranteed. A Native American jewelry piece referred to as "silver" or "ingot" is guaranteed to be at least 90% silver. I rarely use the word "sterling" when referring to older Native American silver or really any older silver jewelry as silver contents vary and "sterling" is 92.5% silver. No older jewelry is going to be exactly 92.5% silver, some a little over, some a little under. It wasn't an exact thing with handmade jewelry. I've seen thousands of pieces xrf'd to prove this. Bracelets are photographed on a 6" women's wrist.
