The Hashknife event is the oldest commemorative Pony Express Ride in the country. Begun by a Navajo County Arizona Sheriff's Posse in 1958, it continues to this day. From Holbrook to Scottsdale, every winter in February relay riders take mail from the high chaparral 200 miles to the Sonoran Desert.
This is the oldest ride sanctioned by the United States Postal Service.
Sterling silver sheet was soldered to a back plate sheet of "nickel silver". Pony Express Rider and numerals for 1987 are gold filled over red bronze or copper. This is also true of the rope twist wire border. These pieces were soldered to the silver buckle face and the surrounding surface was carefully and beautifully hand engraves, leaving banner areas for inscription.
Lettering for the Hashnife Pony Express 29th Annual Ride seem to be cut with a router style engraving tool and blackened with enamel afterward.
Original box accompanies belt buckle
The hinged bar and "tooth" attached to the back plate are also nickel.
Description | The Hashknife event is the oldest commemorative Pony Express Ride in the country. Begun by a Navajo County Arizona Sheriff's Posse in 1958, it continues to this day. From Holbrook to Scottsdale, every winter in February relay riders take mail from the high chaparral 200 miles to the Sonoran Desert. This is the oldest ride sanctioned by the United States Postal Service. Sterling silver sheet was soldered to a back plate sheet of "nickel silver". Pony Express Rider and numerals for 1987 are gold filled over red bronze or copper. This is also true of the rope twist wire border. These pieces were soldered to the silver buckle face and the surrounding surface was carefully and beautifully hand engraves, leaving banner areas for inscription. Lettering for the Hashnife Pony Express 29th Annual Ride seem to be cut with a router style engraving tool and blackened with enamel afterward. Original box accompanies belt buckle The hinged bar and "tooth" attached to the back plate are also nickel. |
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About the Artist | This silversmith business in Phoenix, Arizona was owned by Lester Bartlett (1923-2014). |
Culture | USA |
Medium | sterling silver sheet, nickel silver, gold filled over red bronze or copper |
Troy ounces | 3.18 troy ounces |
Size | 4 1/4" length X 3 1/8" height X 5/16" maximum depth at domed center |
Date of creation | 1987 |
Condition | Excellent |
Provenance | RB |
Gram weight | 98.9 grams |