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Up #110 Snake Bit G.S. Headstall #75 Eagle Bit 1904 World's Fair Bit #1 Eagle Bit #16 Crescent Bit #80 Bit & Ortega Reins #60 Crescent Bit 1890's Kissing Bird #6 Bit (1) #6 Bit (2) #6 Bit (3) 1890's Sta. Barbara (1) 1890's Sta. Barbara (2) #78 Unmarked Bit Garcia Salinas Bit Schnitger Bit 1 JWL Peacock Bit #78 Capriola

 

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Item #B902       SOLD

 

 

G. S. Garcia #1 Eagle Bit

This bit was made after the design of the Eagle bit which was part of the legendary Saddle Set of Bridle, Reins, Bit and Saddle created for the famous St. Louis 1904 World's Fair.  The win (Gold Medal) rocketed the G. S. Garcia shop into stardom and bestowed upon G.S. and his craftsmen the ultimate recognition of being the best silversmiths, leatherworkers, saddlemakers, metal forgers and western motif designers in the world.  The famous saddle set which was ridden by many governors of Nevada and California in parades and by President Roosevelt at the Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1904 is now in the Nevada State Historical Museum.

This bit was made available for sale to the public, found in numerous editions of the G. S. Garcia catalogue beginning in 1905.  This bit is marked with the Dutch (or inverted) "N", dating it to before 1910.  In the 1924 edition of the catalog, this model sold for $37.50, making it the most expensive of all bits offered that year.

PICTURED AT RIGHT FROM THE GARCIA SADDLERY CO. CATALOGUE: ELKO, NEVADA

"No. 1 Bit made in the same shape as the one on the prize saddle, all silver overlaid.  2 1/4 inch conchas with scalloped edges and raised buttons, finely engraved with the fairy horse heads and chain made out of german silver wire. 

Price as represented .......................................... $37.50."

The No. 1 Eagle bit is full of detailed engraving from top to bottom.  The Eagle is rising in flight with the shield of the US in its talons.  Many motifs were taken from coins used to decorate the matching saddle (silver dollars, etc...) which feature the shield and eagle. The cheek rings are decorated with wavy engraving patterns and the slobber bar is a beautiful rendition of an eagle in flight.  This bit does not have rein chains.

The bit measures 7" long by 6 & 1/4" wide.  The raised conchos are 2 & 1/4" in diameter.  The inner, raised, part of each concho features 3 horse heads, named the Fairy Horses, after the Alsalio Herrera design. The horse engraving is surrounded on each side by 22 1/8th inch silver buttons. The Eagle and Shield is 3" high by approximately 2" wide.  The cricket is widely patterned with straight ridges within a slide measuring 1 & 1/2" long by 1" wide in a fixed curb design.

This bit most likely was engraved by someone other than Mr. Herrera or Mr. Biancani.  The master silver engravers who were employed by G. S. Garcia between 1904 and 1910, besides Alsalio Herrera and Adolf Biancani, are known.  The most likely, judging by the engraving style would be Mr. John Estrada (employed between 1896 and 1909), although Mr. Mike Morales (employed from 1902 to 1906) was also employed at the Garcia shop at the time.  Each of these engravers went on to open their own shops and become extremely well-known.  Today their works are highly prized and sought after.

This No. 1 (Eagle) bit is hand-forged and hand engraved, overlaid with engraved silver throughout.  The maker's mark (G. S. GARCIA / ELKO, NEV) with the Dutch (or inverted "N") is authenticated as an original G. S. Garcia from before 1910.  This bit is extremely rare.  It is the most coveted of bit designs due to the connection with the winning design.  Unquestionably authentic and period correct throughout and in all areas.

G. S. Garcia #1 Eagle Bit  / Item #B902  SOLD

Bits Spurs Chaps

#110 Snake Bit G.S. Headstall #75 Eagle Bit 1904 World's Fair Bit #1 Eagle Bit #16 Crescent Bit #80 Bit & Ortega Reins #60 Crescent Bit 1890's Kissing Bird #6 Bit (1) #6 Bit (2) #6 Bit (3) 1890's Sta. Barbara (1) 1890's Sta. Barbara (2) #78 Unmarked Bit Garcia Salinas Bit Schnitger Bit 1 JWL Peacock Bit #78 Capriola

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Updated: Thursday May 17, 2012

Please contact us at your convenience:  michael@purecowboy.us or sarah@purecowboy.us

Members: National Bit, Spur & Saddle Collector's Association

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