DESCRIPTION: For your consideration is this great California style spade bit. This is a wonderfully executed bit with a high spade which has a copper cricket and another roller on the top of the spade. The bars also have copper rollers on them. It has rein chains and a slobber chain and has a nice balance to it. The best part is the very artistic silver work. The history that came with the bit, and its engraving, strongly suggest it was made by Henry Neibla Sr.. Neibla 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). Neibla and son made bits and spurs which were sold through various retailers such as Visiala. They were rarely marked. This is a great and highly artistic California spade bit for your collection.
MAKER: Unmarked, but attributed to Henry Neibla Sr.
APPROX AGE: Circa early 1900s.
SIZE: It has a 5" mouth piece. It is 7-3/4" long overall.
CONDITION: Good for its age, normal wear expected. Please look closely at the pictures as they are an important part of our description and are hereby incorporated into the description, specifically with regards to condition.