#22 Sunflower Spade Bit

This sunflower-pattern spade bit is a distinctive and eye-catching piece, won by either Dema or Jim and kept in the family’s equipment collection. Built in the traditional California style, it features a spoon spade mouthpiece stamped “Gilk”, a known maker of classic spade and half-breed mouthpieces. The braces and cricket assembly are fully functional, and the wraps remain intact—usable, though not pristine, consistent with age and storage.

The standout visual element is the series of deeply engraved sunflower silver overlays, giving the bit a unique aesthetic uncommon even among decorative spades. The design work across the cheeks is bold and dimensional, adding character without overwhelming the traditional profile of the cheekpiece.

With an 8¼-inch shank, 3½-inch spade port, and a 5¼-inch mouth, the bit is built for a horse well along in bridle training. While ornate, this is not a purely decorative display piece—it retains the proportions and mechanics of a functional spade bridle bit.

Its connection to Dema or Jim, combined with the Gilk-stamped mouth and unusual overlay pattern, makes this a piece of particular interest to both bit collectors and spade-bit historians.

Key Features

• Maker: Cheeks unknown; mouthpiece stamped Gilk
• Material: Steel with sterling silver overlays
• Shank Length: 8¼"
• Port Height: 3½" spade spoon
• Mouth Width: 5¼"
• Style: California-style spade with cricket and braces
• Overlay: Unique sunflower-pattern engraved silver
• Function: Finished-bridle bit; suitable for a fully trained horse
• Notes: Wrapping on braces is intact but shows age; cricket turns freely
• Provenance: Won by Dema or Jim

Condition

• Good overall for age
• Sunflower silver overlays are intact and visually strong
• Braces and cricket functional
• Wraps show age but remain serviceable
• Mouthpiece stamping clear
• Some expected oxidation on steel components; no structural defects