"Ring Bit" by Mark Dahl

This bit, which is made of polished and blued cold-rolled steel inlaid and overlaid with sterling silver, has equal leverage because the distance from the fulcrum, which is the bar, to the ring and to the reins is equal. The wide part of the ring is covered with leather, while the entire inside and outside surfaces of the cheeks are engraved either in steel or silver. The mouthpiece is inlaid with copper.

The Traditional Cowboy Arts Exhibition will be available for viewing through November 17, 2024. Ownership of piece transfers to the buyer at time of purchase. Piece will stay on display in the exhibition until November 17, 2024. Shipment will then be arranged with the buyer and buyer is responsible for all shipping fees.

Please note: Buyers shipping or picking up in the state of Oklahoma must pay Oklahoma sales tax. Change of address post-sale may result in additional sales tax fees at buyer's expense. Sales tax exemptions must be presented at time of purchase.

To arrange for shipping, contact Whitney Batres at (405) 838-1953 or wbatres@nationalcowboymuseum.org.

(Emeritus Member)
Mark Dahl grew up cowboying in the cattle ranching community of Starr Valley near Deeth, Nevada. He made several pairs of spurs as a young man but received no formal training — relying instead on a working knowledge of cowboy gear. Always fascinated with silver-mounted bits and spurs, Dahl decided to try his hand at silversmithing in 1982. Though beautiful works of art, everything Dahl builds is also functional. He strives to please the senses with his creations.