This is an incredible piece of history. We so wish we knew its story…or who made it. Its clearly a piece made by someone who was a talented braider who knew their way around leather. In two-toned (medium and darker brown) round plaited leather that is very soft, braided around what appears to be rope/cord, but still has quite a bit of suppleness to it. Has round braided button accents, braided cheek loops, and along the end of the crown/throat latch at the very end. The bit ends are a cool play on pineapple bit ends, with the same round braided buttons, but instead of one, there’s three. The curb chain also has the same large leather braided button. Comes with a vintage aluminum curb bit. Horse size with a crazy amount of adjustment, easily go long enough for a draft cross. This set is in incredible condition, frankly showing little wear. This is one to see and one to use….or add it to your collection.
What we do know is its been in the same family for around 80 years, spending the last 40 or so as a decor piece. It was purchased used and was a loved piece of tack. Very much in the a Vaquero style, with some Spanish flare with tightly plaited kangaroo leather. The headstall itself has a wider, flat, and tightly plaited browband. Includes a crown piece and dropped throat latch, each finished off with two palomino horsehair tassels. The rest of the headstall-crown, cheeks, dropped tassels, and throat latch are all round plaited in a narrower diameter. Each side has two palomino horsehair tassels. Pineapple bit ends. Comes with a matching split reins with buckle water loop bit ends that measure 84″. 1/2″ diameter at bit ends, rest 3/8″ diameter. Large, domed bridle rosettes at the brow, silver tone but not silver. This leather on this piece is just incredible, literally melt in your hands butter soft and clearly well maintained. There have been a handful of repairs on this set…which keeps it from being a $1500 piece. Had a solid and competent repairs on the back side of the brow, with a piece of leather replaced at some point along one side. Leather has been replaced at one spot of the crown. Where the bit hangs there is some wear through on the leather which has not yet been repaired, but is more cosmetic in nature. What is incredible is this piece…while an incredible collectors piece….is still sound and ready to use. Talk about an incredible headstall for your bridle horse. For a piece that is well over a 100 years old, this set is just incredible. We know you’ll love it as much as we do.
