My boss picked up a vintage bit somewhere that is stamped with a script “Ricardo” on the inside and asked me to try to find some info about it. I’m not having much luck, other than links to others on eBay. Any ideas on where I could find some info? I did find some info on Don Ricardo bits, but wasn’t sure if they were the same thing, as it sounded like the stamp was different and his were silver, which this is definitely not.
It is aluminum and the sides/shafts are shaped like pistols pointed downward. The rein rings are at the end of the gun barrel, curb chain would hang from the trigger guard and it hangs from a ring on the gun grip.
Thanks!
Ricardo Metal Manufacturers made bits and spurs from about 1930 through at least the early 60s, maybe longer. They were based out of Denver. There are always a ton available on ebay.
Their silver items - especially spurs - are pretty collectible. The more mass-produced items, especially the aluminum bits, don’t seem to go for very much money, although the pistol design may be rare and more valuable.
Boss’s best bet would be to find someone that specializes in western collectibles to give him a value estimate, if he wants to sell it.
So, Ricardo Metal manufacturers is who I’m looking for? I don’t think he wants to sell it particularly, just use it for decoration and interest.
Yes, that’s the company name.
The Autry museum has a few of their catalogs in its collection, and I’ve seen some for private sale.
Thank you!
That’s it, RPM, only ours is in rougher shape.
