Why is provenance important to collectors?
Hallmarked vs. unsigned on old bits and spurs is important. There were a lot of old, handmade bits and spurs from the late 1800s and early 1900s that were not hallmarked. However, some were. Even though there are those who can identify (with a fair amount of accuracy) who a particular spur maker was by the style and engraving, items made by guys who were hallmarking back then will realize a premium in today’s marketplace.
G.S. Garcia is a prime example. Most of the items produced in his shop were marked with the hallmark of his shop and they bring top dollar today because we know where they came from. We know he hired the best bit and spur makers available and they put the G.S. Garcia brand on the items. However, there were makers who produced just as nice of items, but unless those items were marked, the ones made and marked by the G.S. Garcia shop will bring more. Much more! The reason? There is provenance (a hallmark) tying the Garcia items to a certain point and place in history. It is not just speculation or an, “it sure looks like so-an-so’s work,” type of situation. The market responds accordingly.
9 мар 2022
