WONT FIND ANOTHER! 1930s Charlie Sample Bohlin Western Sterling Trophy Buckle

Description

WONT FIND ANOTHER! 1930s Charlie Sample Bohlin Western Sterling Trophy Buckle. Condition is "Used". Shipped with USPS First Class.
Charlie Sample – For sale is an absolutely extraordinary, one-of-a-kind sterling and 10k gold belt buckle by legendary maker Charlie Sample. Sample was one of the great early foremen for Ed Bohlin, and collaborated frequently with Philip Fredholm in the 1920s to 1950s. Sample is responsible for some of the most iconic Bohlin buckle designs, including the 5A (also listed) and Arizona ranger sets. Here is his biography, written by Bill Reynolds of Bohlin fame: https://westernhorseman.com/culture/out-west/charles-sample-hollywood-silversmith/.
Included in the pictures is a letter of authenticity and provenance from noted western collector Meyer Denn. I will direct the bidder to the last picture for his incredibly detailed analysis of the historical significance of this piece. Denn’s contact info is included in the letter but has been covered up in this listing for his privacy, the winning bidder can reach out with more info as needed. Please note there is a small typo in the letter, this buckle accommodates a 1.25” belt not 1.5” as stated.
In all my years collecting this buckle is truly one of the most incredible pieces. The forest scene is just amazing, and the gunsmoke patina makes the gold cowboy figure pop. Sample remains one of my favorite silversmiths, and undoubtedly one of the most important to the entire field of western buckles, despite how little of his prolific work bears his name. The term “work of art” is bandied about a lot to describe western buckles, and rightfully so, but this unique buckle is truly fit for a museum. Of all the buckles I have listed, this is the one I am the least sure about selling because it is truly a one-of-a-kind piece. Take it before I get cold feet!
Shipping includes insurance and signature confirmation.
Please save my profile and check back as I list some of the rarest and most significant Western buckles from my collection amassed over decades! All my prices are based ONLY on market trends and previous auction results, to guarantee that you get a fair price for a lifelong treasure. I entertain reasonable offers in the first couple weeks of an auction listing as a courtesy for a quicker sale, but my pieces are not priced for lowball offers or intensive haggling. Please extend me the courtesy of reasonable, honest offers and I will extend you the courtesy of a fair deal that will appreciate in value over time!
ALL SALES ARE FINAL. I repeat, all sales are final. I post ample pictures of my pieces and detailed descriptions, and my inbox is always open for questions. Thus, there is no room for miscommunication or poorly described listings. I attempt to date all my buckles using my knowledge as a collector and through serious research – I will never deliberately lie about the provenance of a piece. However, please do not try to dispute the age or other aspect of a piece AFTER you have purchased it – there is plenty of time for questions and clarifications before the bidding ends.
As all my belts and buckles are vintage to antique, please zoom in closely and be aware of every aspect of the item. I will never omit a serious issue, but I cannot account for every ding, scratch, etc. You are responsible for being an informed buyer, that means doing your research, asking the proper questions, and following the rules of this auction. I have found that collectors of Western Americana are some of the most decent and upstanding people I have met in my life, so I am sure this will not be an issue. Thank you and God bless!
For your safety and mine, all items are packaged directly at the post office and filmed from the moment they enter the box to the moment they are accepted by the clerk, to guarantee that they are shipped in the same condition as advertised.