Fine Unmarked California Spade Bit attributed to Raphael Villa (1883-1925). Artistically crafted and exceptionally executed 1900s Santa Barbara style high spade, with copper brace rollers, deep chasing along the edges, floral engraving on the inlays, silver button decorations and large sterling silver conchos with a flower in the center. Unmarked, but attributed to Raphael Villa who represented the finest in California Vaquero craftsmanship.

Raphael Villa was a highly gifted but relatively obscure bit and spur maker in Los Angeles around the turn of the last century. Born in what is now East Los Angeles in 1883, he basically operated a one-man shop from his small homes at 216 S Sichel and 120 S Townsend until his untimely death at age 42 in 1925. Villa made most of his bits and spurs for vaquero friends and local ranchers but is believed to have made a few pieces for sale through the prestigious Los Angeles Saddlery and Findings Co. (LASFCO).