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Mark Dahl, (TCA) Stunning Ring Bit

Currency:USD Category:Antiques Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:7,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Mark Dahl, (TCA) Stunning Ring Bit
Made of polished, blued steel, inlaid and overlaid with fine sterling silver, Dahl’s exquisite bit is remarkably constructed with very deep, domed inlays -- using a technique that we’ve never seen before. Each cheek consists of 8 intricately engraved and filigreed teardrops which are unique to each opening. The inside of the cheek pieces and a part of the mouthpiece port are extensively engraved in the steel. Six chains connect the ring to the slobber bar and the rein chains are hand made. Mark worked on this bit for nearly two months and it includes a custom display stand. We believe that Dahl still holds the record for a contemporary bit at $34,000 -- established at the 2008 TCA show at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Mark grew up as a cowboy in the cattle ranching community of Starr Valley near Deeth, Nevada. As a young man he made a couple of pairs of spurs, but received no formal training relying on his working knowledge of cowboy gear. Dahl was always fascinated with silver mounted bits and spurs, so in 1982 he decided to try his hand at silversmithing. Though beautiful works of art, everything Dahl builds is also very functional. He strives to please the senses with his creations