G.S. Garcia bits and spurs were marked in various ways, depending on when the item was made. This oval cartouche was an early mark. Even so, Garcia knew he could be better still. He set out to show the world the skill of his small-town artisans by crafting the most exquisite saddle known to man. Using the finest leather, gold, silver, and diamonds Garcia craftsmen built the World’s Fair Saddle which won gold medals at not only the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, but at the Lewis and Clark Exposition in Portland, Ore., as well-an achievement unmatched before or since.
With that Garcia vaulted to worldwide fame, and the little saddle shop remained a successful part of the Elko economy until1933 when Guadalupe Garcia passed on. The legacy was left to his three sons-Les, Henry, and Eddie- who moved the business to Salinas, California. Bits, spurs, and saddles were crafted there at Garcia Saddlery until1957 when Les took the silversmithing business to Reno, Nev., and established Garcia Bit and Spur Manufacturing Company. In 1978 Doug and Paula Wright, owners of the J. M. Capriola Company in Elko, bought the Garcia company, thus bringing the name and the legend full circle.
Today Garcia bits and spurs are still built by carefully trained Mexican craftsmen who proudly continue the tradition of quality and beauty expected of the Garcia name. The mouthpiece and cheekpiece designs are the same as those used in Guadalupe’s time, with the addition of a few new cheekpiece patterns. Just as a hundred years ago, Garcias are still used by working cowboys everywhere.
The maker’s mark now being used by Garcia in Elko, Nevada.
The Maker’s Mark
However, cowboys and horsemen are no longer the only ones in the market for Garcia bits and spurs. Collectors, enchanted and intrigued by the mystique of the Old West, seek vintage pieces like pirates seeking treasure. Unfortunately, the market has recently been flooded by imitation Garcias.
Howdy folks. In reading your article on identifying bits & spurs made by Garcia, I would like to share some information that may contradict a small part of this article.
I am an auctioneer in S. Oregon, over 40 years in the business. In your article you stated:
“Another source for a collector’s piece is the heirloom that’s been in the family for years but, unfortunately, families willing to part with their heirlooms are few and far between.”
Sadly, in ther past 10 years we have noticed a trend where the younger generation selling of a deceased parents things has no interest in very many “family heirlooms”… if the piece isn’t a direct connection to the parent, they don’t want the “stuff”, they just want the check. I find this to be a bit disheartening, but becoming more and more true, on the west coast anyway.
Thank you for your time and great reading.
Auctioneer Frank Dodge
Eagle Point, OR
Thank you for your feedback, Frank! You will notice that the article you’re referencing was published in our magazine in 2001. It is definitely sad to see the trends change.