Vintage-style bolo tie with crushed shell mosaic slide

This item is a vintage-style bolo tie featuring a braided black cord, likely synthetic or vinyl leather, fitted with silver-tone metal hardware. The central slide ornament has a trapezoidal silver-tone metal bezel with a textured or twisted wire border, filled with a inlay mosaic of crushed stone or mother-of-pearl shell chips in shades of cream, beige, and brown, set in clear resin. The ends of the braided cord are capped with silver-tone metal aglets that hold dangling polished stone or shell chip charms corresponding in color to the slide inlay. The owner notes a hallmark or stamp reading 'swank', which is unverified based on the single front-facing photograph where no marking is visible; this attribution remains an unverified hypothesis subject to physical examination. Stylistically, this piece appears consistent with mid-to-late 20th-century Western-style costume jewelry, frequently produced by companies like Swank, Inc. The condition appears well-preserved with light wear, consistent with the user's description of excellent condition, though full physical inspection would be required to verify construction integrity.

Based on the provided photograph, I have examined this vintage-style bolo tie featuring a braided black cord, silver-tone metal hardware, and a trapezoidal slide set with a crushed shell or stone mosaic in resin. Matching chip aglets trim the cord ends. Per user submission, the piece is attributed to Swank and described in excellent condition. While the style aligns with mid-to-late 20th-century Western costume jewelry, I cannot verify the presence of a 'Swank' hallmark from a single front-facing photo. I am treating this attribution as a working hypothesis. From what I can see, the item shows minimal surface wear, maintaining good color and structural appeal. However, I cannot verify material composition—such as whether the metal is plated base metal or sterling silver, or if the cord is genuine leather—without physical inspection. Assuming the attribution to Swank, Inc. or a similar mid-century maker of costume accessories is accurate, the estimated secondary market value is $25 to $45. Collectors of vintage Western wear and mid-century costume jewelry create a steady, modest demand for these pieces. Should in-person examination, hallmark verification, or provenance documentation indicate it is an unbranded mass-market production or a later 'in the style of' reproduction, the value would likely adjust to $10 to $20. Conversely, if physical inspection reveals higher-grade materials like sterling silver, the estimate could increase. Definitive assessment would require physical testing of the metals and close inspection of the hardware stamp.