June 21, 2025 Old West Events Auction in Santa Fe, NM

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This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2025

Custom made for the renowned Miami Beach Judge and passionate Bohlin collector, Howie Gross, this stunning, solid 14K four-color gold buckle features a raised and highly detailed Texas longhorn just below his "HG" initials inset with diamonds, and embellished with a stylized scroll pattern border and raised Bohlin style spots on the outer perimeters. Verso is also engraved and bears the maker-mark of Bohlin disciple and master engraver in his own right, Ahmad Khan, Hollywood, Calif. Outstanding condition. 3" x 4"Upon his arrival to America, Ahmad Khan inquired about the great tradition and craftsmanship with the Bohlin Shop in Hollywood, California. He had learned of the Bohlin shop being the most exclusive and one of the largest silver shops in America, with a notable list of patrons. Mr. Bohlin was a legend in Hollywood who literally carved the way for the craftsman tradition. As protege to the famous Master Silversmith Bud Phillips, Ahmad reached popularity with Hollywood celebrities between 1981 and 1987. He created masterpieces of wearable art for such distinguished patrons as Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Gene Autry, Clayton "Lone Ranger" Moore, Montie Montana, Burt Reynolds, Clint Eastwood, Larry Hagman and even President Reagan. This list goes on to include other famous actors, politicians, musicians and cowboys. Ahmad is quick to share that President Reagan proudly wore his 4-piece, 3-color, 5-A, 18K gold and sterling silver buckle set during his presidency which was given to him as a gift by country singer Lee Greenwood. He was so impressed by the buckle that President Reagan personally called back to highly compliment the designer and craftsman of the piece. His first Hollywood break came when he was hired by the highly respected Bud Phillips at Bohlin Company to work on the project to make a replica of the famous Tom Mix spurs for actor/stuntman Dean Smith. The original spurs were hand crafted by Mr. Bohlin himself, but when he passed away in 1980, Bud Phillips searched for a Master Silversmith who had the ability to carry out the Bohlin tradition. He took Ahmad under his wings and fully trained him for making western wearable art. "I always admire seeing a young Master at work," Bud Phillips declared as he quietly observed the young master Ahmad at his workstation. Bud Phillips himself started in the early 1930s working for Hollywood legend Gene Autry, and worked with the Bohlin Company for over 44 years. From his home in Santa Barbara, Charles Sample, a fourth generation Silver and Goldsmith who is also considered to be one of the original Bohlin legends, likewise praises and respects the craftsmanship of Ahmad's work. When Mr. Sample once asked Ahmad about the passion and integrity he pours into his work, Ahmad simply responds, "It is an American Dream what I do, to glorify the American cowboy." It is no wonder that Ahmad's artistic qualities have earned him the title of the "Michelangelo of Silver and Gold" for his museum quality and perfection.

Item Dimensions: 3" x 4".