June 22, 2024 Brian Lebel's Santa Fe Old West Events Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/22/2024
Pictured in James H. Nottage's Bohlin Bible "Saddlemaker to the Stars", these 3 impressive and oversized Bohlin hat bands belong to Ernest, Anna and Emily Specht, who inherited their father's property in Bell Gardens, California, farmed the land and became wealthy through their real estate and water rights. The three siblings lived together and never married but appeared at Palamino horse shows and in many parades as a group, wearing the most extraordinary of all Bohlin gear, including these regal, special order hatbands. Ernest rode a famous stallion by the name of "King Cortez", who cost $5000 in 1960 and stood 17 hands high weighing 1,600 lbs. The 3 bands are on their 3 hats -- the first hat bears the name of Anna Specht, Bell, California inside; the second hat was made by Davis, and it is 10X, with the Edward H. Bohlin mark inside; and the third hat is stamped "Especially Made for Ernest Specht". This lot also includes photos of the 3 siblings parading in their ornate outfits, on their big horses and wearing these hats and hatbands.
Provenance: Ex George Pitman Collection, Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Item Dimensions: Largest: 21 - 1/2" x 19 - 1/4".