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Table of Contents

This book completes the story of bit and spur makers in the United States. Previous volumes have covered mostly deceased artisans who made these pieces in the Far West (Bit and Spin - Makers in the Vaquero Tradition) and the makers in the Texas area (Bit and Spur Makers in the Texas Tradition).

Since the fine antique bits and spurs of a century ago are scarce and difficult to find as well as very expensive, there is a growing interest in pieces made by modern makers. 123 contemporary makers are featured in this book, with over 900 stunning color photographs of their work. Modern makers have made many innovations in both techniques and motifs in their craft. They are not simply copying the old styles. They are also creating new designs appropriate for the 21st century.

There is an extensive chapter on design motifs utilized over the centuries with myriad images of the wide variety of animals, birds, insects, flowers, geometric designs, human figures and cowboy motifs used to decorate bits and spurs. Symbols such as the naja, the swastika and the figa en mano are pictured and discussed. This would be an interesting chapter for someone looking for a design to embellish their spurs.

Another chapter describes techniques used in working metal over the last three thousand years; many of those have only recently been utilized in the crafting of bits and spurs. Included are explanations of casting, forging, gilding, enameling, chasing and engraving as well as descriptions of Damascus steel, flowed silver inlays, repousse and filigree techniques and several others.

Collectors, craftsmen and anyone who appreciates this unique American art form will find this book full of fascinating and informative material.