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Noted Jose Figueroa Marked Eagle Bit

Currency:USD Category:Western Americana / Tack - Bits Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Noted Jose Figueroa Marked Eagle Bit
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Catalogs can be purchased by visiting: oldwestevents.com/catalogs
Very scarce and desirable marked California Eagle Bit. From the property of famous cowboy movie star, George O'Brien (1899-1985). Marked "J. FIGUEROA / L.A. CAL." inside the cheek. Nicely engraved cut-out American Eagle cheeks with Union shield. A spade mouth piece with removed roller. Shows use, but overall very fine, not cleaned. We believe this bit can be seen clearly in the 1924 silent film, "The Iron Horse" starring O'Brien.
Jose Figueroa (1880-1948) worked in Los Angeles and in Elko, Nevada for G. S. Garcia. He also supplied quite a few famous saddlery companies, such as Edward Bohlin. Very few of his pieces are marked.

Provenance: Bonhams - Turner Classic Movie sale, Nov. 24th, 2014, Estate of George O'Brien and Marguerite Churchill.