Rare 1947 Barbara Worth Brigadettes Sterling Silver Cowboy Hat Bolo Slide For Sale

Rare vintage sterling silver neckerchief slide commemorating the Barbara Worth Brigadettes, a mid-century women’s equestrian drill team associated with El Centro, California and the Imperial Valley region. The piece is crafted in the form of a sculptural Western cowboy hat with a domed crown, curved brim, and twisted rope hatband detail, reflecting the classic Southwestern and rodeo-inspired styling popular during the 1940s and 1950s. Around the brim, the hat is engraved “BARBARA WORTH BRIGADETTES,” directly connecting the piece to the historic riding organization and its participation in regional Western culture, parades, rodeos, and equestrian events of the era.

The Barbara Worth name is historically tied to the famous Barbara Worth Hotel in El Centro, California, a landmark deeply associated with Imperial Valley social history and civic organizations throughout the mid-20th century. Memorabilia connected to the Barbara Worth Brigadettes is scarce, particularly sterling silver wearable pieces tied directly to the organization. This example represents an appealing crossover collectible combining Western Americana, California regional history, women’s equestrian history, and vintage Southwestern sterling silver craftsmanship.

The reverse retains its original slide fitting and is clearly marked “STERLING” along the side of the fitting. The piece functions as a bolo tie slide and may also have been worn as a Western neckerchief or scarf slide, a popular accessory among mid-century riding clubs and equestrian drill teams throughout the American Southwest. The cowboy hat form remains highly dimensional with strong sculptural character visible from multiple angles. Pieces of this nature are especially desirable among collectors of rodeo memorabilia, Western silver accessories, vintage neckerchief slides, bolo ties, and historic California equestrian organizations.

Circa 1940s–1950s

Barbara Worth Brigadettes

Marked Sterling

Measures approximately 7/8 inch across by 3/4 inch tall

Condition Report:

The neckerchief slide presents attractively with a bright sterling silver surface and crisp sculptural detailing throughout the cowboy hat form. The domed crown, curved brim, and twisted rope hatband detail remain well defined and visually prominent. The engraved “BARBARA WORTH BRIGADETTES” lettering around the brim remains legible and easy to read, contributing strongly to the historical identity and collector appeal of the piece.

The sterling silver surface displays normal signs of age and handling consistent with a vintage Western accessory from the mid-20th century, including surface scratching, light patina, and gentle evidence of use visible throughout the silver. The reverse slide fitting remains securely attached and fully functional, with the “STERLING” hallmark visible along the side of the fitting. A rare and historically interesting piece of California Western and equestrian memorabilia with strong crossover collector appeal.

approximately 11.97 grams

Metal Verification:

The metal has been tested in-house using standard acid testing methods and is consistent with approximately sterling silver purity. The reverse slide fitting is marked “STERLING,” supporting the results of the testing process.

Acid testing confirms that the silver content of this piece holds at sterling-grade benchmarks; however, this method does not provide the microscopic precision required to determine an exact decimal composition. As a retail jewelry store, testing is conducted using industry-standard acid methods commonly used to verify silver purity within recognized ranges.

For precise metallurgical analysis to a microscopic or laboratory level, specialized testing equipment—such as that used by the Gemological Institute of America—would be required. Accordingly, the piece is described consistently with vintage sterling silver standards without overstating the precision capabilities of the testing method used.

Variations in silver composition can occur in vintage and antique pieces due to differing manufacturing standards of the period. This item has been described as accurately as possible based on the visible hallmarking and in-house testing methods available.