Visalia Spurs with John Koster, San Francisco History

Visalia Spurs with John Koster, San Francisco History

Unmarked but distinctly pictured in the early Visalia Stock Saddle Co catalogs as pattern No 78, these important double-mounted Northern California spurs with 2", 16-point spoke rowels feature cutout floral patterns on the heelbands and four coin silver spots surrounding a larger central engraved dome. The original floral carved two piece leathers are adorned with large domed scalloped silver conchos and a raised letter "K" for the original owner John Koster. Spurs are 100% original and in overall good condition, circa 1910.

John A. Koster was a Captain in the California National Guard and Secretary of the California Barrel Company who served in the California National Guard while dynamiting buildings in the path of the conflagration that followed the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Koster later served an important role as Brigadier General in that "City by the Bay" after the devastating fire that followed the big quake. He subsequently aided local authorities in clearing rubble, preserving order and assisting in relief work while sacrificing his personal safety to assist fellow citizens of that stricken city.

Featured: 2004 PBS Antiques Roadshow, Reno, Nevada, Bruce Shackleford, Appraiser; and 2018 Roadshow Update.

Lot 298, Sold $10,030
Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 26th, 2021, Santa Fe, NM.

John Koster's Exquisite 1890s-1900s Filigreed California Bit

John Koster's Exquisite 1890s-1900s Filigreed California Bit

Pictured in the 1911 Visalia Catalog as Pat No. 92, this outstanding, intricately engraved silver overlaid "harp" design spade bit with pierced cheeks and raised gold horseshoes atop 2" rope-edged domed conchos is reminiscent of the very finest pieces produced by master Northern California maker, Atanasio Larios. Bit includes an artistically chased spade, hefty copper ferrules on the braces plus original hangers and rein chains. The overall artistry, execution and condition rank it among the finest of its era.

The bit was originally owned by John A. Koster, a Brigadier General in San Francisco who played an important role assisting citizens, clearing debris and preserving order following the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire.

Featured: 2004 PBS Antiques Roadshow, Reno, Nevada, Bruce Shackleford, Appraiser; and 2018 Roadshow Update.

Lot 297, Sold $15,340
Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 26th, 2021, Santa Fe, NM.

Wonderful D.E. Walker - Visalia Parade Saddle

Sterling Silver and gold decorated, rich brown saddle, with flower tooling and fixed corona. This elegant saddle has 24” tapaderos and matching martingale and bridle with a Visalia show bit. There are 240 pieces of sterling silver, including the full cantle cover and swells, plus 16 gold horseheads. An amazing example from the noted maker. Complete with a set of matching tooled stirrups. Includes stand.

Lot 502, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 25-26, 2019. Mesa, AZ.
Estimate $29,500.

Visalia Stock Saddle Co. Spurs

These are Visalia's No. 81 fine California spurs with swell bands, intricate inlays and flat sided 2 1/4" shanks. The 10-point, 2" rowels have chevron chased points. Stamped inside heelband: "VISALIA STOCK SADDLE CO." Amazing condition and all original. As-new but no original finish remaining. Per Griff Durham, the leading Visalia authority, "Most Visalia iron was marked with a gang stamp, but they had so many contract makers some may not have had one provided and, as in this case, marked their work with individual letter stamps with the inevitable uneven results. Gutierrez, for example, used individual stamps for his maker's stamp, not all of the same scale in some cases.”

EX: Bill and Marilyn Lenox Collection.

Lot 156, Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - January 20, 2017, Mesa, AZ.
Sold $5,310