Outstanding stiff jaw spade bit by Juan Jose (J.J.) Estrada (1831-1900). In pristine condition with 100% of its silver intact. This is still a very usable bit while at the same time being a museum quality item. It is in immaculate condition. The slobber bar is very unique and ornate and has four tiny flowers engraved in the silver, which JJ was known for. JJ Estrada was one of the old California masters along with Jose Tapia, Jesus Mardueño, and Albert Espinosa.  Mouthpiece measures 4 3/4” wide.

Juan Jose “J.J.” was born in Mexico where he learned the blacksmith trade, married Nellie Gil and fathered two sons, Francisco and Juan Jose M., one year apart, before moving to the U.S. The first record of him in this country is as a blacksmith in Los Angeles in 1870. By the 1880 census the family had settled in San Luis Obispo where they bought property and set up a business by 1884. The business directory of that year lists J.J. as a bit and spur maker and his son, Juan, as a clerk in the business. The 1880 census identifies Francisco as an apprentice, but he was called a bartender in 1893 when he died of tuberculosis at the age of 23. Juan Jr. inevitably learned blacksmithing and the skill of making bits and spurs from his father. In 1896 G.S. Garcia went to Elko, Nevada, to open a saddlery business and took Juan with him to make bits and spurs. Once in Elko, Juan anglicized his name and from then on was known as John. -excerpted from Bit and Spur Makers in the Vaquero Tradition by Ned and Jody Martin.