Bit/Spur Maker
JM 1834-1905
J 1856-1931
Illustrious and highly prized 18th and 19th century California Vaquero bit and spur makers renowned for the elegance and grace of their product which often included very stylized iron work, tendrils and the frequent use of filigree. Tapia's work was seldom marked but surviving signed pieces have his name stamped with individual letters in an almost haphazard but easily identifiable manner...an ironic contrast to the exquisite precision of the piece in which they are engraved.