This bit has been identified as a Tapia by a bit maker that is the top authority on the Tapia family; their workshop was in Los Angeles in the late 1800s through the early 1910s. The purchase has a silver mission bell representative of the California missions. The large conchos on either side of the bit are engraved with sand dollars, a trademark of the Southern California Coast. The mouthpiece is a bosic mouthpiece that was invented in 1905 for a Santa Barbara horseman and doctor named Dr. Bosic. The sibling to this bit is shown in the third photo - it is ID'd as a Tapia bit and resides in a prominent collection.

All of the ironwork and silverwork is incredibly crisp and sharp and in pristine condition.

Asking 1500 obo for the bit.