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1850's Ranch Ox Yoke from Inwood California

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 2,000.00 USD
1850's Ranch Ox Yoke from Inwood California
1850's Ranch Ox Yoke from Inwood California, Handmade Double Oxen Neck Bow Wood Harness

This dual neck yoke (or bow yoke) is a shaped wooden cross piece that binds to the necks of a pair of oxen (or occasionally to horses). It is held on the animals' necks by an oxbow, from which it gets its name, which enables a pair of oxen or other animal to pull together on a load. The yoke is a simple & effective instrument in both design and construction. It has very few moving parts, and unlike a horse harness, which usually has an elaborate system of straps and buckles to fit and adjust, it is simple and quick for even a single person to hitch up a trained team of oxen. This example is marked "W M" in the center. This Yoke was used in the mid 19th century on a Ranch in Inwood California. In 1860, a grizzly bear was killing cattle on this Inwood ranch. A rancher went out to dispatch but never returned, he was killed by the animal. His neighbor went looking for him and was also killed by the bear. enough was enough, several ranchers went together to shoot the bear and they succeeded and took down the dangerous animal. This yoke is being held together by bolts and nails, the metal rings and other components show much oxidation. The rough and dry wood is chipped in a few spots, it shows many cracks and splinters. This yoke is very old but still remains aesthetically pleasing, it is a fascinating piece of Americana and would make nice decor for a farm or homestead.