June 22, 2024 Brian Lebel's Santa Fe Old West Events Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/22/2024
A fabulous Wyoming Penitentiary bridle. The cheeks and the 7 braided strand brow band display small rectangular hitched horsehair panels with bright pink, turquoise, and white diamonds edged by purple hair. The bridle has intricate knots, loops and colored tassels throughout and a central leather heart face plate below 2 color tassels. The rein terminals have calfskin strings to form tassels. The condition is excellent and the colors bright.
The horsehair hitching appears to be comparable to an example known to have been hitched by inmate Herbert Brink circa 1928, who was sentenced to be hanged. (See page 137, Horsehair Bridles by Ned & Jody Martin). Attached is a unique handmade heavy iron half breed bit cut into symbols which appear to be "SP" (State Penitentiary?).
Provenance: Ex Ron & Linda Gillett Collection
Item Dimensions: 26" L.