133

R B Dunbar (1892-1959) Bit & Spur Set

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Western Americana Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
R B Dunbar (1892-1959) Bit & Spur Set
Preview: Phoenix Marriott Mesa - 200 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201
Preview Period:
Thursday January 27 -- 3:00 pm-7:00 pm
Friday January 28 -- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday January 29 – 9:00 am -4:30 pm
a) SIlver inlaid Oregon spurs with 3/4” wide beveled heelband mounted with three engraved domed buttons and a matching strap button. Stylized inlaid shank, barrel chap guard, 1 7/8”, 9 pt rowels, no leathers. Excellent cond with traces of original bluing; b) Matching silver overlaid Dunbar half-breed bit with 2 3/8” engraved floral conchos. Bit measures appx 8 1/4” in overall length and 5 3/4” in width. Fine condition PICTURED: Bit, Spur and Saddle Makers of Wallows County Oregon by Denny Kehl, Pg 11 R B Dunbar was one of nine siblings born to Alfred and Laura Dunbar of Joseph, Oregon. A loner who lived near Shaniko, OR (originally a stagecoach stop) approximately 50 miles NE of Redmond, Ralph was a sheep herder who taught himself bit and spurmaking as a hobby. It is estimated that he made less than a dozen pair of spurs and only a few bits. Dunbar also made silver belts, headstalls and jewelry for family members -- using coins for most of his silver. He died in Wallowa Memorial Hospital in 1959. Dunbar did not mark his work, however, his engraving style is unique and consistent.