#53 Vintage Horse Concho Martingale Breast Collar

A striking vintage breastcollar featuring a unique martingale-style center plate adorned with heavy, hand-engraved silverwork. The focal point is a large, multi-layered concho with a raised horsehead figure framed by a twisted-rope border and detailed floral engraving. This type of centerpiece was most commonly seen in 1950s–1970s Western parade and show tack, often produced by Southwestern silversmiths who specialized in custom conchos and saddle trim.

The breastcollar also includes matching domed conchos with sunburst engraving and scalloped edges, consistent with mid-century parade silver patterns. The leather is thick, well-aged, and structurally sound, with a rich patina appropriate for its age. Decorative silver ferrules run the full length of both straps, creating a classic parade-tack look that is seldom found intact today.

The buckle shows hand engraving typical of small-shop Western makers from the same era. Although no maker's mark is present, the combination of silver motifs, ferrule spacing, and the roped horsehead concho suggests influence from shops such as Bohlin-style regional craftsmen, Gal-Leg, or early Texas and New Mexico silversmiths producing custom parade pieces.

Overall, this is a rare and visually impressive example of vintage Western show tack, suitable for collectors, display, or restoration for parade use.

Notable Features:

• Large raised horsehead concho with deep engraving and roped border

• Matching engraved domed conchos (sunburst and floral motifs)

• Long runs of silver ferrules on both straps

• Deep, even patina on high-quality leather

• Hand-engraved buckle in a period-correct style

• Unique martingale-style breastcollar design with a wide, shaped center piece

Condition Notes:

• Leather shows age and appropriate wear but remains sound

• Silver ferrules and conchos show tarnish and aging consistent with vintage silver

• Overall well-preserved for a piece of this era, with strong display presence

Estimated Age:
Likely 1950s–1970s, based on silver engraving style, ferrule construction, and leather patterning.