Florence State Penitentiary Horsehair Bridle

Florence State Penitentiary Horsehair Bridle. An amazing example of a rare Florence State Penitentiary (Arizona) bridle with triple strand round cheeks and double brow band. The colors are bright and done in a very tight diamond pattern. The bit is a valuable piece on its own, and is very unusual, showing a bare chested woman dancing above a snake.

Martin notes: "The Influence of Louis Eytinge might be seen in this bridle with the use of much brighter colors, additional tassels using both white and black horsehair (still short and no crimp), and elaborate detailing of the reins."

Pictured: “Horsehair Bridles: A Unique American Folk Art,” by Ned and Jody Martin, page 61. A copy of the book is included.

Lot 233, Sold $12,980
Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 26th, 2021, Santa Fe, NM.

Baldwin Marked Canon City Spurs

Robert Baldwin Canon City Prison spurs. A significant pair of Canon City spurs, with Robert Baldwin's prisoner number "9647" under each shank. Bands are 1” with central domed engraved buttons. Shanks are 2 ¾” with roller-style chap guard and full overlaid top. 16-point, 1 7/8” rowels. Excellent condition, all gray, sharp clear engraving. Floral tooled straps.

In 1915 Baldwin was arrested for the heinous crime of suffocating his infant son. He was charged with first degree murder and on June 29, 1915, convicted and sentenced to life at the State Penitentiary. He served nearly ten years and then, one day, just simply disappeared. For the warden, Tom Tynan, his escape became a huge embarrassment and prisoner #9647's whereabouts remain a mystery to this day.

Provenance: From the Estate of Roger Wilmot.

Lot 128, Sold $11,210.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Old West Auction - January 23, 2021. Mesa, AZ.