Californio Hat with Frank Coenen Silver Ornamentation. Fabulous 1930s Californio/Bolero style, white fur hat adorned with elegant Frank Coenen heavy- gauge sterling silver floral and vine pattern repousse embellishments inset with rubies.
The hat includes a twisted silver rope chin string, original white satin lining and leather sweatband. The exquisite silver hatband is beautifully sculpted and features a vaquero roping a ruby-eyed bull. A divine blend of sophisticated Spanish styling and Danish silver artistry. Exemplary, 100% original condition.
Lot 575, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 25-26, 2019. Mesa, AZ.
Sold $24,780
Important Frank Coenen Parade Spurs. Aesthetically breathtaking and extremely rare Frank Coenen double-mounted, California parade spurs. Cheyenne split heelbands, intricate and impressive 60-point rowels, and fully sterling covered with heavy gauge repousse vine and flower designs inset with real rubies. Spurs affixed to matching Coenen straps secured by 3-piece Phillip Fredholm (Los Angeles) buckle sets. Superb, 100% original condition, circa 1930s. Includes custom display stand.
Lot 577, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 25-26, 2019. Mesa, AZ.
Sold $17,700.
Frank Coenen Silver and Gold Figural Bridle and Bit. Artistically adorned, the bridle features bold three-dimensional gold buffalo heads in the center of the nose and brow bands framed by repousse silver leaves, while the silver chain drop supports oval silver panels with raised silver and gold initials/names and fraternal moon and stars with inset diamonds and rubies. The bridle cheeks replicate the style and imagery of the front panels with the addition of a stately, heavy-gauge sterling silver three-dimensional Indian head with bonnet at each brow. Coenen has utilized a variety of decorative silver buckles, spots and latches to integrate the headstall pieces and support the ornamental Visalia Stock Saddle Company humane bit overlaid with matching silver repousse and gold buffalo heads. Last but surely not least, is the leather split reins and romal with its large, elaborate and adjustable silver slide, mounted with dozens of intricate and decorative flat ferrules separated by miniature rings. Excellent condition.
Frank Coenen was definitely not building a range or rodeo bridle 90 years ago when he carefully designed and methodically constructed this very unique, custom show piece.
Lot 578, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 25-26, 2019. Mesa, AZ.
Sold $15,340.