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Vintage 1989 Montana Silversmiths “Mule Extravaganza” Women’s Division Trophy Belt Buckle — Custom Spokane, WA Area Sponsor Engraving!
Up for grabs is a rare, beautifully crafted piece of Pacific Northwest mule and draft show history.
Struck in 1989 by the legendary Montana Silversmiths in Columbus, MT, this classic oval German Silver trophy buckle was awarded at the 1989 Mule Extravaganza for the Women 21 & Over division.
✨ Design & Collector Value Highlights
Detailed Mule Motif:
Features a heavily detailed, raised gold-tone mule head center medallion inside an ornate western bright-cut scroll filigree background.
Two-Tone Banners:
Features coppery-gold tone text banners flanking the top and bottom.
Authentic Local Provenance:
The reverse side is custom engraved from the factory:
“Sponsored by Guhlke Construction”
— a historic family business operating out of Davenport/Spokane County, Washington.
True Vintage Character:
The back shows a gorgeous, untouched warm copper/brass tone age patina around the belt loop and pin, verifying its decades-long history.
🔍 Condition Report
In excellent vintage condition!
The front remains exceptionally crisp and bright with brilliant contrast between the silver filigree and gold accents.
The back shows standard age-related toning/patina which collectors prefer left original.
Hook and swivel bar are completely secure and ready to wear or display.
Fast shipping from a smoke-free home. Securely packaged to preserve its vintage condition.
Add this stunning piece of Washington state equine history to your collection today!
history.🕵️♂️ Historical Provenance & Local Connection Breakdown:This buckle features deep, verifiable roots in the Eastern Washington equestrian community:The Recipient: This buckle belonged to Gayle Henjum, a prominent figure in the greater Spokane/Cheney/Chattaroy equine show and breeding circles during the late 1980s. Winning this 1989 Mule Extravaganza award perfectly aligns with her concurrent 1988–1989 presidency of the Inland Empire Quarter Horse Association.The Sponsor: The reverse side is factory-engraved: "Sponsored by Guhlke Construction." Guhlke Construction is a multi-generational, family-owned contracting business operating out of Davenport, Washington (just west of Spokane).This localized sponsor hallmark and known recipient history anchor this piece perfectly to its era, giving it incredible cross-collectible appeal for western buckle enthusiasts and Washington state history collectors alike.
