Pristine California spade bit by Raphael Gutierrez (1889-1958)

Here is a beautiful full sterling silver overlay spade bit by Raphael (Filo) Gutierrez. Filo was the master engraver whose career stretched over 50 years. This bit has classic Gutierrez engraving and is in pristine condition. It features a spoon spade mouthpiece with copper wrapped braces. Everything is 100% original.

Gutierrez was born in Northern California, and by age 16 Gutierrez was working as a bit and spur maker in Sacramento California with Bernard Valenzuela before joining GS Garcia in Elko, Nevada in 1911 where he is credited with the production of some of Garcia's finest work. Legendary but short-lived, the Cheyenne, Wyoming partnership of Bill Phillips and Raphael (Filo) Gutierrez, lasted from 1917-1918. Filo returned to Northern California in 1920 where he joined Juan Estrada. Gutierrez made bits and spurs for Hamley, Olsen-Nolte, Fred Stern and GS Garcia in addition to his own maker-mark. Asking 1550.