Lot Essay
cf. Michael Friedman, Cowboy Culture: The Last Frontier of American Antiques, Schiffer Publishing, West Chester, Pennsylvania, 1992, p. 118 lower left, and p. 122 lower left for similarly decorated hitched horsehair bridles and reins
Most hitched horsehair bridles were made by inmates of the country's prisons, many of which had stables and working ranches, during the 1910's and 1920's. The inmates, not permitted to use sharp tools to carve leather, turned to hitching (weaving) and braiding natural and dyed horsehair and producing ornamental bridles, brushes, ropes, buttons, etc. These finished products, which took from one to two years to complete, were subsequently traded or exchanged with prison guards and wardens for special favors.
Most hitched horsehair bridles were made by inmates of the country's prisons, many of which had stables and working ranches, during the 1910's and 1920's. The inmates, not permitted to use sharp tools to carve leather, turned to hitching (weaving) and braiding natural and dyed horsehair and producing ornamental bridles, brushes, ropes, buttons, etc. These finished products, which took from one to two years to complete, were subsequently traded or exchanged with prison guards and wardens for special favors.