Nice Old Spade Bit With Rein Chains

Available here for your consideration is a nice old spade bit with rein chains. The spade bit is a historic vaquero design, usually with highly decorated shanks and a mouthpiece that includes the bar, a port with a cricket, and a "spoon" above the port, which is generally supported by braces on either side. Only expert horseman could use them properly and horses spent years in training before graduating to the spade. This bit is decorated lavishly with silver inlay and buttons, or "dots." It is an extremely nice example of an antique spade bit that you should buy for your collection!
The history of bits and spurs in North America begins with the Spanish who first came to the new world in the 1500s, bringing horses and livestock with them. The Spanish colonial style is the predecessor of the Californian and Mexican styles we know today and you can see the influence in this bit. 
MAKER: Marked with 2 little dots near the inside of the purchase ring. There are several opinions as to whose mark this was. Either way, it's a nice old bit.
APPROX AGE: Antique (meaning made prior to the 1930s). 
SIZE: Bit measure measurement: The mouth measures 4 5/8  inches wide, and is  8 inches long overall. 
CONDITION: Good for its age, normal wear and minor imperfections 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.