Exquisite one-of-a-kind mid-20th century solid sterling silver rattlesnake bit by Dave Murray and Bohlin Saddlery silversmith Raymond Gurdal.

This California bit is a beautiful example of the rarest and finest silverwork to come out of the famous saddlery shops of Los Angeles and Southern California. This rattlesnake bit was made for California horseman Glen Gimple in about 1970. The Mona Lisa style mouthpiece was made by bitmaker Dave Murray while Raymond Gurdal made the rattle snake conchos.

The provenance on this bit is truly impressive, and was provided by the bitmaker himself:

“This Snake bit was made for Glen Gimple in about 1970. I made the bit and Raymond Gurdal made the rattlesnake conchos. Ray was a great silversmith. The snakes are hammered up by hand and not cast, showing a much higher level of ability and expertise. The eyes are real rubies. Raymond worked for Tiffany and many other famous shops. He had a shop in Hollywood, and did special jobs for Bohlin and many others”, according to bitmaker Dave Murray.

Raymond Gurdal was born in 1926 in Belgium, and passed away in 2006. He received his formal training by attending seven years at the Renoun Maredsous school of crafts and arts in Belgium. He spent two and a half years producing architectural sculptures and fixtures for theaters and churches. Upon arrival in New York, he immediately went to work and became a renowned gold and silversmith for Tiffany’s.

He also produced works for the famous such as Bishop Sheen, Clair Booth Luce, and Mr. Fisher of General Motors Corporation.

After relocating to California, he spent three years at Bohlin Saddlery in Hollywood where he soon became known for his skills with western silver and copper works and produced pieces for legendary Hollywood actors John Wayne and Roy Rodgers.

Offered at $6500. 

Serious buyers and inquiries only please. Call or text 619-920-0967 for more information.