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A. J. Schell (1880-1945) Spade Bit

Currency:USD Category:Western Americana Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,500.00 USD
A. J. Schell (1880-1945) Spade Bit
Scarce and lovely 1920s boldly maker- marked "A.J. Schell Maker" silver inlaid loose-jaw California style silver inlaid spade bit with two silver spots adorning each cheek and copper wrapped braces. Fine condition.

PROVENANCE: Kenny Lee Estate

A.J. Schell (1880-1945)
Alfred J. Schell was born in Gerlach, Nevada in 1880. Schell apprenticed with John Estrada (1865-1942) at Goldberg & Staunton (1910-1913) in Winnemucca, Nevada during the golden age of the buckaroo style. His earliest work is marked AJ Schell maker, Gerlach, NV. Al moved to Pyramid Lake near Reno in the 1920s and eventually to Oroville, CA where he traveled to large ranches repairing harness and tack, as well as bits and spurs. Schell’s work is comparable with the best of the early ‘California style’ makers, both inlaid and overlaid with light touch engraving.