California iron bit by Atanasio Larios (1835-1890)
California iron bit by Atanasio Larios (1835-1890)
Beautifully made early California bit by Atanasio Larios from San Jose, CA. In perfect condition, this is a museum quality piece. No signs of visible damage and with all the original parts remaining. The mouthpiece is a half breed with the original roller. At the end of each shank are two beautifully detailed scallop seashells engraved in the iron buttons. Also includes a very old set of rein chains.
This Atanasio Larios half breed bit comes to us all the way from south west Montana where it was given to Paul Woods by his late father in law who got it from his father who was gifted it by an old wolfer named Emmet back in the late 1920’s. Emmet would rest his horses at the ranch and hunt wolves . The rein chains are trap chains and the curb chain is a cross link from tire chains for a model Ford. A very unique and interesting piece of western history!
Atanasio Larios (1835-1890s) was well known for exquisite chased ironwork. Born in Mexico in 1835, Atanasio Larios (aka Atanacio) is believed to have emigrated to Northern California in the 1870s where he perfected his bit and spurmaking talents in San Jose working for legendary firms like Marcus and Fred Stern as well as John Henry Messing and Sons. In the early 1880s, Larios moved to San Francisco working for L.D. Stone and Co and becoming one of the only spurmakers ever referenced by name in a company catalog when they noted in 1888 that “We have Mr. A. Larios, who is the best workman in that line on the Coast engaged in making Wrought Bits and Spurs, and can make any particular style wanted”. The Stone catalog offered mountings in multiple metals including German silver, aluminum, sterling and copper. Historic, 19th century, northern California bit and spur maker, whose spurs were marked either with his name and a number or with a horse head in a circle. Much of Larios' early work was unmarked and sold through the big saddleries like L D Stone, who actually referred to Larios by name in their 1888 catalog as the "best workman engaged in making bits and spurs on the Coast.”