Edward H. Bohlin’s Own Personal Bohlin Parade Spurs
Ed Bohlin’s own massive custom spurs, designed to accompany the “Big Saddle” and the rest of his 14-year masterpiece: his own personal -- and unmatched -- Bohlin equestrian parade outfit. Sterling and three-color gold on stainless spurs and black leather straps. Designed and crafted by Bohlin himself along with top Bohlin artists. The following description is excerpted from the included James Nottage letter.
“The spurs are made from stainless steel, which was also used to create the pie-cutter rowels and with smaller rowels on the chap guards. These are secured with pins and yellow gold flower buds. The steel is overlaid with sterling silver and upon this is applied decorative elements with the following components. The outside edges of the spurs have twisted yellow gold wire rope edging. The surface of both sides of the spurs has overlaid with red gold floral scrolls terminating with yellow gold five petal flowers. All of the gold surfaces are delicately chased rather than engraved, giving them pleasing depth and dimension. The outside face of the spurs swells to a rounded shape in the center for the overlay of a large Indian head with full feathered headdress. The gold of the headdress and face is given color through the use of red, yellow, and green gold.
Each spur strap is of black leather and the edges have been sewn by Angel Diaz with flat silver wire, matching the stitching on Bohlin’s saddle and other accessories. On each strap there are three square silver plates on point, mounted in each corner with red gold flower buds and integral silver rope edges. One plate on each strap features a red gold raccoon, another has a yellow gold cowboy on a red gold bucking bronco, and the third has an eagle with spread wings. Each of these figures is surrounded with chased yellow gold floral wreaths. Separating these plates are triangular silver plaques with chased red gold floral overlays. Finally, each strap has a large round concho in sterling silver with integral rope edge, a chased yellow gold wreath, and in the center are large artistically designed initials for the owner, “EHB”. A nice feature of all the metal work is that the sterling is given a subtle background with lightly hammered stippling.
…they represent both the romance of the cowboy and the elegance of a particularly notable example of the American fine and decorative art.”
Included in the lot is a five-page typed and signed letter from historian and noted Bohlin authority, James Nottage. This letter includes Mr. Nottage’s opinion of the spurs; their provenance; their exhibition history (includes the 1967 “World’s Fair”); published references to Ed Bohlin’s personal parade outfit of which the spurs are a part; the fascinating 14-year history of the full parade outfit; a detailed description of the spurs and straps; and Nottage’s conclusion:
“These unique spurs arguably are the finest work of the Bohlin shop. They are of artistic and historic significance that ranks them among the best of spurs created in any shop.”
Lot 558, Sold $236,000
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 21st & 22nd, 2022 - Mesa, AZ.