Lets see your fancy bits

I like to see fancy bits of any style but particularly spades. Anybody got any fancy bits they'd like to show off? I would like to remind you that this is not a thread to critique any bits for functionality or "harshness". This is strictly a thread appreciating the beauty and craftmanship of the bits.


This is an old Crockett made spade that my dad gave me.

Very preeeety!

Kevin, that is very unique. I don't think I have ever seen one that the sway bars were attached that way, they probably don't have much signal?. Have you used it? How does it feel? And the spoon is different too....wow....tell me more about it!

Here is a couple of Flemings...

I've told you about all I know. I posted it on a facebook group (Californio Traditions) to see what I could find out.

Here's a couple I picked up awhile back in a junk box at an auction for $5.

The first is a Crockett, the second I have no clue...looks cool on the wall anyway.

You want to double your money?

Hmm, I don't know if this one qualifies as "fancy" or not but it's the only one I have. The rest of mine are very simple and, as Kevin said, utilitarian.

I have no idea on the maker, I don't think it's marked anywhere though I haven't looked close. I found it a couple of years ago in a box in the tack room along with an assortment of other 40 year old tack LOL. Dad says that there was a hackamore horseman in Kansas that gave it to him about 40 years ago or so. As far as he knows, it's never been on a horse. Apparently this guy just had it hanging on the wall in his living room.

I tried to clean it up a bit since these pictures were taken but it is still very rusty. If you guys know of a good rust remover that won't compromise the bit itself, I am open to suggestions.

Al Tietjen with a Mona Lisa port (thanks Cowchick, know what to call it now!)

Look for a mark just below the bar. It looks like it could be a Crockett like the one I posted. Nobody I've showed the bit to have ever seen braces like the ones on my bit and now yours.

Polish the silver and wirebrush and oil the steel.