Hitched Horsehair Quirt (Vintage Circa 1900's)

The Vintage Hitched Horsehair Quirt is a handmade artifact from the Western Americana culture, specifically originating from the United States. This unique piece features intricately intertwined horsehair and is a symbol of tradition and heritage. Perfect for collectors of antique Western items, this quirt embodies the craftsmanship and historical significance of the American West. This beautiful quirt was bought at a Colorado Western Collectibles Show in the 1980's. Although provenance is unknown, it is probably early 20th century and told it might have been made at Deer Lodge Montana Prison, or similar. iIt is also unclear whether this item is of Native American or of American Western (cowboy) origin. This quirt is decorated with horsehair embellishments (beige and black tassels), leather, and needle-knotted fiber forming long triangular motifs (diamond pattern) in beige, black, red, and green. The background is primarily beige. It has a braided leather wrist loop, 6 leather knobs, tight hitched horsehair handle and lash, 3 horsehair tassels, and a leather popper. It is of considerable length at 42 inches. The condition is good considering age. The third tassel has sparse hair and wrist loop appears to have been torn off from top of knob and retied around handle of the quirt. The quirt has received an appraisal certificate from Barnebys "valuemystuff" with an auction value of $400-500 and an insurance value of $900. See photos for details.