~LUIS B. ORTEGA~PRESENTATION SILVER Romel REINS~RARE Western Americana~RARE Hard to FIND! WESTERN SHOW REINS Start Price USD 9,000.00 Current Price USD 9,000.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, October 10, 2008 End Time Monday, October 20, 2008 Location santa rosa valley, ca See more about '~LUIS B. ORTEGA~PRESENTATION SILVER Romel REINS~RARE' Description Luis B. Ortega Presentation Reins From the collection of Tim Whitney Offered today is a pair of presentation reins made by Luis B. Ortega.  Very rare and hard to find dark brown /black braided romel reins.  8 plait reins with 12 plait romel with natural and red rawhide accents. 10 1/4" sterling silver ferrules on each of the 1/4" closed reins and 7 of the 3/8" ferrules on the 3/8" romel. Popper is marked Luis Ortega along with the original owners name.  Luis B. Ortega is known as the world's best and foremost rawhide braider.  A fifth generation Californian.  He was taught to braid rawhide by a 104 year old Chumash vaquero Fernando Librado, worked cattle at the California missions in the 1830's.  When Luis turned 36 he braided full time.  In 1938 he married Rose Smith, and settled in Santa Barbara, California.     By 1965, Ortega concentrated on creating elaborate braiding for collectors. Ortega also began to refer to his work on different levels: working gear for the pasture, finer braiding with color accents for the horse show arena, and superior work he assumed an owner would never put on a horse. In this latter period, Ortega conceived of his work for collectors as objects d’art and often braided with impossibly fine strands that defied practicality. However, each string displayed the perfect proportion of width, thickness and bevel, which was the foundation of Ortega’s reputation. The Ortegas moved to Paradise, California, in 1968, and joked about starting his “retirement” after throat cancer surgery in 1976, but he continued to braid until shortly before his death in 1995. This pair of collector reins measure 48" long not including the vintage slobber chains.  This pair dates back to the 1960's.  There is one spot above the top ferrules on both reins that has a broken strand, and one spot on the top where the reins meet the romels that have some broken strands. (nothing that can't be repaired easily). The broken pieces I mention are SO slight, I only mention them for accuracy.  Personally I would not even bother with repairing it.    Other wise in absolutely excellent condition!  Please view all the pictures and if you want additions pics please don't hesitate to ask.  I will be listing another pair of rawhide Ortega reins tomorrow that were owned by the infamous Tim Whitney.  Both sets were in his private collection for over 40 years! Shipping will be $12.00.  Insuranse will be required depending on sale amount.  I reserve the right to sell this pair of reins if there are no bids  on ebay.  Serious bidders only....I report to ebay non paying bidders!  If you would like to have me set a "buy it now" price, please email me ASAP!  These RARE reins usually sell for between 11,000 and 20,000 a pair at auction, if you are lucky enough to find a pair.  Up for auction today with no reserve. Note:  I have sold the other pair of rawhide reins! Never even got to list them.  If you are a collector of Ortega please don't wait long to place your bid.  I go to many horse shows per year and will be taking these with me.  Next stop the World Show in OKC.   If you are interested please make an offer on these very RARE silver reins!  If you are showing at the CONGRESS let me know and I can arrange for a viewing! Thanks for your interest!!   I ship worldwide!! Please email me for a quote!   Payment must be received within 5 days of auction end. Please send communication within three days to inform me of your payment method. Checks are accepted, but will delay shipping until bank clearance. Paypal, check, money orders or cashiers checks accepted.   Place a Bid!