RARE H. FRIEDRICK NYC Sterling 14K TWO-COLOR GOLD RODEO Buckle Set SPECTACULAR

Description

Hello and WELCOME BACK to all of my loyal customers over the years. I have recently returned to Ebay after two years abroad, and I am happy to once again offer some of the FINEST and RAREST vintage collectible Western Trophy Buckles and Ranger Sets in the United States. Most ALL of my items are ORIGINAL, not modern reproductions of the originals. These are the REAL McCOYS!!!
I CANNOT EVEN BEGIN TO DESCRIBE THIS SET, but I'm going to try. Here is an ULTRA RARE Sterling 14K TWO-COLOR Ranger Buckle Set made by HERMAN FRIEDRICK of NEW YORK CITY, featuring SPECTACULAR SINGLE_POINT HAND ENGRAVING on ALL the pieces, with RUBY-STUDDED FLOWERS & SCROLLS in YELLOW GOLD (thick & heavy overlays), and the TWISTED ROPE TRIM in ROSE GOLD. In addition, the back of the buckle is in SOLID 14K GOLD. This set accommodates a ONE INCH (1") belt. The buckle itself measures approximately 2 5/8 inches by 2 5/8 inches.
There is VERY LITTLE written about Herman Friedrick. While not as prolific as the other buckle makers, the work that he churned out was AMONG THE BEST I have seen.....HERE IS A SUPERB EXAMPLE. The buckle is signed with the mark that has been scratched out. I don't know why someone would do this, but I have seen it done on other FRIEDRICK pieces. In the photos, I have shown the mark on the set I am selling next to another FRIEDRICK buckle with a mark that is intact. You will see for yourself that there is no questions that this ranger set is an ORIGINAL FRIEDRICK. The original mark says "H. FRIEDRICK STERLING - 14K
N.Y.C.
" LOOK AT THE PHOTOS CLOSE-UP!!!
IF IT WEREN'T ENOUGH THAT THIS BUCKLE WAS MADE BY HERMAN FRIEDRICK, the buckle itself was OWNED and WORN by NATIONALLY REKNOWNED RODEO CLOWN FROM THE 1940s - 1960s, KEN FLOOD, and the buckle bares his initials on the shield, "K.F.F." I am looking for more information about KEN FLOOD, and when I find it I will post it to the listing.
THIS IS A VERY RARE & SIGNIFICANT PIECE OF AMERICAN RODEO HISTORY.
Herman Friedrick
(1912-1965)
was born in Frankfort Germany.
He was a horse trainer and trick rider - and became very well known amongst Cowboys in the early 40's to early 60's for doing extraordinary silver work, such as the buckle pictured on this post. All buckles were completely hand tooled using gold and silver with rubies or diamonds.
He opened a Cowboy Silversmith shop next to Madison Square Garden and sold a full supply of Western clothing/boots/hats/saddles bridles/hand carved belts and filled many orders for his silversmith work. (buckles/lighters/cufflinks and a variety of silver pieces.) Famous world champion cowboys and celebrities were always visiting his store and he has done many silver pieces for them. People that frequented his store included Gabby Hayes, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Pat Brady, Jim Shoulders, Casey Tibbs, Harry Thompkins, Ted Mack, Guy Mitchell.
Here is a note that I recently received from Herman Friedrick's daughter when she saw this buckle set listed on Ebay:
Hi Meyer, I want to thank you for your support of Herman Friedrick's magnificent silver work! As well, I am so impressed with the accurate knowledge you have of my dad! Your information is spot on. His 1st store was on 47th St. off of 8th avenue and then he moved to797 8th Ave. which was on the same side of the Garden and then he moved to larger store directly across the street for the entrance to the Garden. In that building he built a beautiful apartment above the store where we lived. Aside from his profession as a Silversmith ( and of course, the owner of Herman Friedrick's Ranch Supplies), he could do anything. He built the apartment himself, he could all of the electrical work, the carpentry/design. He also made beautiful carved leather western belts. There wasn't anything the man could not do. He was an amazing horse trainer/trick rider, as you know! He was 53 when he died. I grew up with constantly spending time with Ted Mack, Guy Mitchell was like a 2nd dad to me, Pat Brady was a magnificent person. Roy and Dale were also wonderful people. I saw many celebs in the store and tons of cowboys and also people like the Lone Ranger (who never was without his mask). Andy Griffith was in the store many times Casey Tibbs was a dear friend of my dad. And so on and so forth. That was my childhood. I have a pic of Dad with RR if you want to give me your cell, I will text it to you. Recently a buckle sold on EBAY with Little Jimmy Dickens engraved on it and also a beautiful lighter with Roy Rogers engraved on it. His son Dusty was the seller. It sold for 3K.. I don't see much of my dad's work being sold because I believe people hold onto it and of course, he passed away at 53. I hope you are successful selling this magnificent buckle. My brother & I were wondering how you knew so much about him. My brother lives in Fla and I live in NJ in horse country. I hope you are successful selling this beautiful buckle. I look forward to hearing from you. Nancy Gensch
This is a very special piece that would make a WONDERFUL gift for yourself or a loved one. BE SURE TO SEE MY OTHER AUCTION ITEMS!!!
Read my feedback and bid with confidence. If you have ANY questions, please ask BEFORE you bid. ALL SALES ARE FINAL.
Buyer pays for
priority
shipping and insurance charges.
Happy bidding!!