Antique California spade bit by the Figueroa brothers of Los Angeles , California. For someone looking for a classic California set-up, look no more — this is the real deal. The Figueroa brothers were known as some of the finest craftsmen of California spade bits and bridle bits from their era. The Figueroas rarely marked their work, but their very distinctive engraving style was all that was needed to identify their work. Carlos was considered the better engraver of the two brothers. The bit has beautiful silver inlay and engraving. Everything is 100% original down to the front-wrapped spade mouthpiece, measuring 5 1/8” wide. The cheeks have the desirable looseness and movement desired in a classic California spade bit. Everything is in mint condition. This bit is extremely usable and has been well preserved for the last 80 years on an old ranch here in Nevada County. Mouthpiece measures 5 1/8” wide. Everything is in perfect working order with only light wear commensurate with its age. This setup is so beautiful!!

Born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico April 19, 1880, Jose moved to California in 1901 and began making bits and spurs for the Los Angeles Saddlery and Findings Co. (LASFCO) located at 219-227 N. Los Angeles Street. Jose moved to 1708 E 47th Street in 1921 and by the end of the decade saw his bits and spurs carried by every major saddlery in Southern California including: Brydon Bros, Lichtenberger and Ferguson, J. H. Wilson, Hollywood Saddlery and Edward H. Bohlin. In the mid 30s Figueroa moved again, along with his wife Librada, to East 16th Street where he resided until his death Jan 21, 1951. Along with the Jesus Tapia, Jose Figueroa ranks by collectors as one of the top bit and spur makers in Southern California history.

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Born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, to a skilled saddlemaker 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 lesser known of the two but was the better engraver.

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Jose returned to Southern California permanently in the 1920s making bits and spurs in the classic vaquero patterns for many of the most prestigious saddle shops including D.S. Wilson, Brydon Bros., Gilmore Saddlery Co and Litchenberger-Ferguson, and Edward H. Bohlin of Hollywood as well as F.M. Stern of San Jose and the Visalia Stock Saddle Co of San Francisco.