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Old Horse Bridle with Mecate & Leather Cuffs

Currency:USD Category:Western Americana Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Old Horse Bridle with Mecate & Leather Cuffs
Lot of 3 pieces. 1) A dark leather bridle with brass Conchos securing the brow band and silver studs across the brow band. A plain ring snaffle bit, very rusted, completes the bridle. The reins are actually mecates, handmade horsehair "ropes" in tan and brown. They would originally have attached to a Mexican basal, or rigid woven noseband, but are here attached to a bridle. The mecate reins are of a single piece, and a separate rope, also attached to the bridle, enabled the rider to tether or ground-tie his horse without throwing the reins over the horse's head. 2-3) A pair of original heavy leather cuffs worn by cowboys in the latter part of the 19th century and early part of the 20th century, to protect their arms from rope burns, thorns, etc. These are hand-laced up the back and secured with a brass stud at the wrist. Each is incised with an etched design of a Native American riding a horse. They measure 8" tall.

Date: c 1880s-1920sCity: WinnemuccaCounty: HumboldtState: NV