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National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum ®
Ernie Marsh
Bit & Spur Maker

Ernie Marsh

Member

About the Artist

Artwork
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Artwork by Ernie Marsh

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Santa Barbara Bit

Bit

$15,000

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This sculpted Santa Barbara bit is overlaid in sterling silver and features 14k gold stars on both cheeks in addition to 14k gold buttons throughout. The spade mouthpiece is tastefully engraved, as is the cross chain, while the rein chains were handmade by Marsh.

Additional Images

Santa Barbara Bit
Santa Barbara Bit

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Kissing Bird Bit

Bit

$12,000

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Marsh designed this unique bit — called the Kissing Bird bit — with a pair of steel engraved birds forming a perfect circle on either shank, situated beneath stunning conchas crafted of sterling silver. With fine silver stripes inlaid along the inner and outer edges of the “kissing” birds, the bit is complete with a conquistador mouthpiece.

Additional Images

Kissing Bird Bit
Kissing Bird Bit

Ernie Marsh

Lovell, Wyoming

Ernie Marsh has been a professional bit and spur maker for over 30 years. His hardworking background includes ranching, rodeoing and timber felling. He pursued his passion of building bridle bits and spurs with the same serious attitude and desire to learn the skills required. Marsh considers himself fortunate to have had opportunities to gain insight from horsemen and engravers — noted masters of the trade. With his wife, Teresa, Marsh currently resides near Lovell, Wyoming. As a TCAA founding member and a 2016 United States Artists Katie Weitz Fellowship recipient in Traditional Arts, Marsh has influenced the work of many contemporary bit and spur makers.