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"Tail Feathers" by Robert Koeppler

Currency:USD Category:American Indian Art / Art - Jewelry Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,600.00 USD
 Tail Feathers  by Robert Koeppler
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"Tail Feathers" handcrafted by R. K. (Robert Koeppler), 'The Ringworm'. Sterling silver necklace on silver chain. Image of an Indian Pueblo and an Eagle Dancer on a cliff. Inset with a coral bead (sun) with three feathers hanging at bottom of pendant. Comes in a beautiful wood box.



Bob Koeppler used to spend his spare time looking for old whiskey bottles as he walked the land with his brother. Now, he's a nationally known silversmith and he lives right down the road in Crane. Yes! That's how it all started. He took an interest in rocks while he was out picking up the old bottles and then things took off from there. That's how he put bread and butter on his table. He spent many long uncounted hours at his little workshop table. "After I learned to cut and polish stone, I needed to learn how to make something to put the stones into." "I thought I was going to cry," said Koeppler. "I worked on that buckle for a whole week between Christmas and New Year's. I polished up the rock and then I cut it. That got me thinking to the next step. After I cut the stone, I found a perfect picture of two snake's tongues in the stone and then I knew how the buckle would be formed." When the ideas come to mind, Koeppler draws the picture and then puts his tools to work. "You don't look at the time when you're doing something like this," Koeppler said. "I started out making rings. I made thousands of them and people gave me the nickname of Ringworm'." From the life of an itinerant laborer in the construction field to the hobby of silversmith in 1962, it has brought peace to the snowbird in Crane. In 1988, Koeppler was chosen as Silversmith of the Year. To look close at his creations, it's easy to see why he got the award. Not only is Koeppler a professional silversmith, he paints beautiful pictures, builds little treasure boxes for his jewelry and he builds note pads.



There is no production line work. This makes everything he does a unique piece. Born in 1924 in Marinette, Wis., Koeppler stayed with his folks until he enlisted into the U.S. Navy in 1943 and fought in World War II. He remained in the service until he was discharged in 1946. In 1952, he married his lovely wife, Rosemary. A job in Milwaukee kept them close to her home town. A change of scenery and a change of pace brought the couple to Terry, where they lived for many years. Rosemary came down with an illness and it brought them to Crane where she finished her days, and in 1995, Koeppler lost his beautiful Rosemary. She was a full-blooded Oneida Indian woman. Koeppler keeps his love for Rosemary alive by creating jewelry with the Indian designs. Koeppler is an easy going person with love for his fellow man and his work. He doesn't have a fancy shop. He keeps things simple as far as his tools and surroundings are concerned. The detailed, intricate silver work makes up for his simplicities. The small town of Crane has a big asset to its community! If you go looking for Bob to see his work and can't find him, just ask someone! There's not too many places to hide in Crane.



by Deniece Schwab State: Montana City: Crane HWAC#: 48038 Date: 1984