#47 Sliester with Engraved Shanks and Low Port

This is a classic low-port curb bit built on Sliester’s well-known surgical-steel platform, paired with beautifully engraved shanks that reflect the brand’s distinct balance of utility and refinement. Sliester bits earned their reputation for reliability, consistent metallurgy, and clean signal, which made them a favorite among professional horsemen through the 1970s–1990s.

The low-port mouthpiece offers mild palate pressure with abundant tongue room, making it a versatile choice for finished horses needing subtle lift and collection rather than leverage or correction. The shanks are fully engraved in a traditional scroll pattern, adding formality without sacrificing weight balance. Even with visible age and honest use, the detail remains sharp and the bit’s geometry is true.

This piece also ties directly into Jim Paul’s training philosophy and bit experimentation. Jim purchased Sliesters in large quantities specifically because he trusted their consistency: the surgical-steel shanks were dependable, and the mouthpieces were interchangeable across many designs. He frequently deconstructed these bits, using the mouthpieces or shanks as components in hybrid builds of his own—an approach that allowed him to tailor signal and balance for different horses and stages of training. This bit remains in its original Sliester configuration, representing the clean, functional design he preferred as a foundation.

A well-kept example of an engraved Sliester curb, suitable for collectors, riders, or anyone preserving Jim Paul’s working equipment legacy.

Key Features

• Maker: Sliester (marked)
• Material: Surgical steel shanks, cold-steel low-port mouthpiece
• Shank Style: Fully engraved, traditional S-curve profile
• Mouthpiece: Low port with ample tongue relief, mild leverage
• Design Notes: Classic Sliester scroll engraving, consistent weight and balance
• Use Profile: Ideal for finished horses needing refinement, light contact, and a quiet curb signal

Condition

• Honest patina across shanks and mouthpiece
• Engraving remains crisp and attractive
• Structural integrity is strong with normal wear from training use