Yuma or Early Florence Hitched Horsehair Bridle with A Seldom Seen Matching Martingale. Using the hitched chain technique. Shown in Hitch Horsehair book pages 56 & 57, fig 4.23.
Lot 428, Sold $9,075
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 21st & 22nd, 2022 - Mesa, AZ.
Florence State Penitentiary Horsehair Bridle. An amazing example of a rare Florence State Penitentiary (Arizona) bridle with triple strand round cheeks and double brow band. The colors are bright and done in a very tight diamond pattern. The bit is a valuable piece on its own, and is very unusual, showing a bare chested woman dancing above a snake.
Martin notes: "The Influence of Louis Eytinge might be seen in this bridle with the use of much brighter colors, additional tassels using both white and black horsehair (still short and no crimp), and elaborate detailing of the reins."
Pictured: “Horsehair Bridles: A Unique American Folk Art,” by Ned and Jody Martin, page 61. A copy of the book is included.
Lot 233, Sold $12,980
Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 26th, 2021, Santa Fe, NM.
