January 26, 2024 Brian Lebel's Old West Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/26/2024
A Cowrie shell decorated bridle purportedly given to William F. Cody as a gift from the Prince of Wales while the show was in England. A bridle of this type is rare in its own right and very few of these survived over the years. Highly sought after, most examples can be seen in several museums such as Lookout Mountain, The Museum of the Horse, The British Museum and The Museum of the King's Royal Hussars. Included is the center portion of matching martingale. Letter from author Ned Martin attesting to the bridle's history and story. The bridle was obtained from noted collector Judy Gorley. She stated that she obtained the bridle from the owner's grandson who owned the farm where "Buffalo Bill" would winter his stock upon returning from Europe.
Statement: Recent information suggests that this may not have been Buffalo Bill Cody's.
Item Dimensions: 5 - 1/2" x 6" x 27".