Beautiful and extremely artistic antique California spade bit by Henry Niebla, Sr. In additional to the spectacular silverwork by Niebla, one of the best parts of this bit is the fantastic traditional spade mouthpiece made by fellow California bitmaker Abbie Hunt. The historical provenance of this antique California spade bit identifies it as the work of Henry Niebla, Sr and Abbie Hunt. Both of these makers were some of the best traditional bridle bit makers that hailed from the Central Coast of California. The antique rein chains attached to the bit exhibit beautiful and ornate connectors.

Henry Niebla Sr. is mentioned in the book  "Bit and Spur Makers in the Vaquero Tradition" by Ned and Jody Martin (under other bit-and-spur makers mentioned in the book, without biographies, page 307). Niebla and his son Henry Jr. worked side by side and made bits and spurs which were sold through various California saddleries, namely Visalia Saddlery of San Francisco, California. As such, Niebla bits were rarely marked. This is a great and highly artistic California spade bit for your collection that combines the work of two of the best California bitmakers. Provenance will be provided to the buyer upon completion of sale.

APPROX AGE: Circa early 1900s

5 1/8” wide mouth piece with 7-3/4" long cheeks.

CONDITION: Excellent for its age, with minimal wear