January 26, 2024 Brian Lebel's Old West Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/26/2024
Made of polished, blued steel, inlaid and overlaid with fine sterling silver, Dahl's exquisite ring bit is remarkably constructed with very deep, domed inlays with each cheek consisting of eight intricately engraved and filigreed teardrops unique to each opening. The inside of the cheek pieces and a portion of the mouthpiece are extensively engraved in the steel. Six chains connect the ring to the slobber bar and the rein chains are handmade. Mark worked on this bit for nearly two months. It includes a custom display stand.
Dahl set a record at the 2008 Oklahoma City TCAA exhibition at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in when one of his contemporary bits sold for $34,000.
Provenance: High Noon Auction, Lot #254, January 30th, 2010
Mark Dahl (TCA Emeritus Member) grew up as a cowboy in the cattle ranching community of Starr Valley near Deeth, Nevada. As a young man he made several pairs of spurs but received no formal training - he relied instead on a working knowledge of cowboy gear. Dahl was always fascinated with silver-mounted bits and spurs. In 1982 he decided to try his hand at silversmithing. Though beautiful works of art, everything Dahl builds is also functional. He strives to please the senses with his creations.
Item Dimensions: Bit: 6 - 1/2" x 5 - 1/2" x 3".