J.J Estrada's finest work, this artistically executed and exquisitely detailed pair of silver inlaid California spurs are maker-marked “ESTRADA.MAKER” and feature impressive filigreed heel bands with the letters “RM” and the matching original spur leathers that are also tooled with the monogram “RM”. The sweeping shanks and elaborate heel chain hangers further illustrate Estrada's creativity and multiple skill set rarely matched by other makers of that early period. Outstanding condition, circa 1890s.

Provenance: From the Estate of Larry Howard

Juan Jose “J.J.” was born in Mexico where he learned the blacksmith trade, married Nellie Gil and fathered two sons, Francisco and Juan Jose M., one year apart, before moving to the U.S. The first record of him in this country is as a blacksmith in Los Angeles in 1870. By the 1880 census the family had settled in San Luis Obispo where they bought property and set up a business by 1884. The business directory of that year lists J.J. as a bit and spur maker and his son, Juan, as a clerk in the business. The 1880 census identifies Francisco as an apprentice, but he was called a bartender in 1893 when he died of tuberculosis at the age of 23. Juan Jr. inevitably learned blacksmithing and the skill of making bits and spurs from his father. In 1896 G.S. Garcia went to Elko, Nevada, to open a saddlery business and took Juan with him to make bits and spurs. Once in Elko, Juan anglicized his name and from then on was known as John. -excerpted from Bit and Spur Makers in the Vaquero Tradition by Ned and Jody Martin.

These spurs came out of one of the most important collections of California bits and spurs of the reknowned spur collector Larry Howard. Larry passed away in August 2016. He was a collector and lover of California spurs and bits, and believed that the work involved was truly fine art. He strove to make sure that art got the credit it deserved.

Larry also appreciated the “art” of dealing and collecting. He didn’t like that the collecting world had gotten complicated. He felt that collecting and selling had lost its fun. He started the Cowboy Collector's Gathering Show in Prescott, Arizona to host a gathering of friends and collectors, so that they could spend time together and have fun. Like the old days.