For the collector!!!
Antique 1920’s era S-shank, U.S. style bridle bit by Carlos Figueroa. The Figueroa brothers were known as some of the finest craftsmen of California spade bits and bridle bits from their era. The Figueroa rarely marked their work, but their very distinctive engraving style was all that was needed to identify their work. Carlos was considered to be the better engraver of the two brothers.
The bit has two large 2.5” engraved sterling conchos (one is dented) with sterling silver overlay fully engraved shanks. This bit is extremely useable and has been well preserved for the last 50 years on an old San Benito County rancho.
The bit is shown on it’s original Keystone Brothers Saddlery sterling silver ferrule headstall. The hardware is marked “Keystone Sterling”
***”Born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, to a skilled saddle maker father, both Jose and Carlos Figueroa developed an early interest in blacksmithing; later, refining their skills to become renowned bit and spur makers after their move to Los Angeles just after the turn of the last century. Carlos was the lessor known but the better engraver.
Jose returned to Southern California permanently in the 1920’s making bits and spurs in the classic vaquero patterns for many of the most prestigious saddle shops including D.S. Wilson, Bryson Bro’s., Gilmore Saddlery Co. and Litchenberger-Ferguson, and Edward H. Bohlin of Hollywood as well as F.M. Stern of Sam Jose and the Visalia Stock Saddle Co. of San Francisco.”***
