There are also several patterns that were made as bit and spur sets that are very popular among collectors. Some of the most collectible McChesney designs include peacock, snake, bull, and gal-leg designs that used synthetic gemstones in red, blue and green to accentuate and embellish the designs. McChesney said he believed the quality of his work was all the mark he needed. His work is almost never marked with the exception of some very early pieces. His bits and spurs are varied in design though and can be found with many other designs such as animals, plants, flowers, geometric designs and many more. McChesney is probably most famous for his gal-leg design which some people claim he invented, though most historians dispute that fact. McChesney continued to run the business until his death in 1928 at the age of 60. McChesney was supplying bits and spurs for his own catalog as well as producing items for C.P. Many other famous makers would spend time working for McChesney at this location including: Clyde Parker, P.M. At his Pauls Valley shop McChesney eventually employed as many as 50 people at the McChesney Bit and Spur Company. After a period of time in Gainesville, McChesney moved again to Pauls Valley, Oklahoma in 1909 after the town offered to help him move his business there in addition to providing land for his new factory. Bischoff either worked for or with McChesney, the amount of time and details of their collaboration are unclear. McChesney built up another blacksmith business and did general blacksmith work in addition to the bit and spur making. He moved to Gainesville, Texas around 1890 due to a drought that killed off much of his business in Indian Territory. Whether or not McChesney actually invented the one-piece spur isn’t really important, but his legend and popularity grew as a bit and spur maker. The one-piece spur quickly became the predominant style in Texas as the spurs were strong and durable without a joint that had the potential to fail between the heel band and shank. It is said that McChesney was the first to make one piece spurs from metal taken off farm equipment and axles. He stayed busy eventually got into making bits and spurs custom for local cowboys. McChesney’s family moved westward into Arkansas and then into Indian Territory in what is not Oklahoma. McChesney was born in Plymouth, Indiana in 1868 and even attended Notre Dame for two years. McChesney is one of the most well know bit and spur makers ever to swing a hammer.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |