June 24, 2023 Brian Lebel's Santa Fe Old West Events Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/24/2023
Mid 19th century Mexican braided horsehair bridle using natural colors. Needle knot details, flat braiding in sections on leather backing. Silver buttons reminiscent of the Southwest style with silver decoration on the brow, as well as the coin silver buckles suggestive of the Navajo style. As the Martin's point out all the elements found in the early Mexican bridles can be found in the later prison bridles especially the Yuma bridles. Attached is a cutout figural silver inlaid bit showing an eagle attacking a cougar.
See: Ned & Jody Martin's Horsehair Bridles page 23, figure 2.10 for a very similar bridle from the same maker.
Ned & Jody Martin Collection