An exquisite spade bit based upon an early pattern by noted California maker Albert Benjamin Hunt (1876-1967). Loose jaw spade with double slobber chains. Engraved sterling silver inlay in the cheeks with domed conchos and a 5 1/4” wide Spanish spade mouthpiece. The braces have hand rolled copper barrels and and the spade has hand-chased iron. The detail within the sterling silver is incredible and stays true to the style of Abbie Hunt by honoring the memory of his work and his contribution to the old California traditions. This bit is #1 of 1 and the only one of its kind made by The Old Spanish Trading Company.

Born of Chilean ancestry, Abbie began making bits in approximately 1917-18 while working for Espinosa in Ventura County, CA. His early work was relatively simple and unmarked with distinctive teardrop overlays on cheeks coming later. Abbie began marking bits in the 1940s on the advice of his friend and benefactor, Felix Guitron of Indio, CA. Abbie was considered a good vaquero in Bakersfield and lived with his wife in the nearby town of Caliente, CA. Hunt was known as a top “torch man” who refined his trade while making braces for crippled children.