**Originally Listed At $400**

Central America, Mexico, Acapulco, ca. 1965 CE. This is a fun oddity or statement piece for a fisherman: a sailfish jawbone inlaid with nacre shells and an inscription memorializing the catch. The inscription reads "Sail Fish caught at Acapulco by Nancy Latrecchia 12-30-65 112 lbs., 9 feet." The end of the bill is sealed with a tin plate and hook. The mighty fisherwoman was in 8th grade at the time and is the daughter of Dr. Harner, a famous collector of Pre-Columbian artifacts. A 1966 newspaper article with a photo of Nancy and the sailfish is included with this piece. Size: 21.25" L x 2.2" W (54 cm x 5.6 cm)

The famous bill or "sword" of the sailfish that projects from their heads is their upper jaw! Sailfish are the fastest marine animal, and they chase schools of fish for food. This long jaw does not spear the fish but has tiny teeth that will slash and injure these smaller fish as they speed through the water. Their large size makes them a prized trophy fish for sport fisherman, but they are not particularly known for their taste.

Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Springdale, Arkansas, USA, acquired between the 1950s and 1960s

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#162551

Loss to nacre inlay near wide end. Flaking to adhesive around tin. Overall good condition.