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Buermann Gilham Gal Leg Horse Bit c. 1886 RARE

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Buermann Gilham Gal Leg Horse Bit c. 1886 RARE
This is an exceedingly scarce authentic original August Buermann Gal Leg Horse Bit from circa 1886. This is the first patented Gal Leg Bit Design ever produced. The piece was designed and patented by Frank Gilham of August Buermann and is marked on the right side, “PAT’D DEC. 28, 1886”. Frank Gilham, the bits inventor in the mid 1800's, was the first person to patent the "Gal Leg" design as the Assignor to August Buermann. The bit features a wonderful Gal Leg or Woman’s Leg design showing the seductive thigh and butte cheek, being very risqué for the 19th Century, but since this bits introduction has become a staple in the bits and spurs artwork. The bit includes the original rein chains and forged rein connectors along with the original cricket or roller attached to the mouth bar port showing a copper/brass construction with four serrated ridges. The mouth bar is marked, “BUERMANN’S PATENT” along with the star hallmark. The Gal Leg design was later made famous by some of the most famous spur and bit makers in history such as J.R. McChesney, Bill Adamson, G.A. Bischoff, C.P. Shipley, Frank Shultz, Kelly Bros. & Parker, Jack Ferguson, and Ray Anderson. This is truly an excellent increasingly scarce authentic horse bit with only a few examples surfacing on the public market. The only other Buermann Gal Leg Horse Bit to be sold was without the rein chains and connectors, a broken foot, and worn down chaising on the cricket or roller. Very rare first production August Buermann horse bridal-bit. Bit measures overall 6 1/8”L x 5.5”W with 6” long rein chains and connectors. Images of the patent paper work are available on the lot digitally as shown.