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Member
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| Found this bit in my mom's storage room. She has no idea where it came from, but looks to possibly be custom made and has the name "Roy" imprinted on lower portion of each shank. She said they've probably had it for 20+ years. They live in the OKC area (it that helps to possibly narrow down the maker).
I'm not too familiar with bits but it appears to be some sort of sliding gag? Can someone with more knowledge explain what it's intended for and any info on "Roy". lol Thanks!
 (BIT 5.12.15.jpg)
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 BIT 5.12.15.jpg (43KB - 334 downloads)
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 915
 
Location: SE KS | I am interested in more info, as I also have a stamped Roy bit!!!! I live in the SE KS |
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 Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
 
Location: North Dakota | I googled, looks like Roy Robinson, but not much info. Thats a hollis gag bit.
More bits by Roy (does yours look like this)
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/roy-robinson-mullen-mouth-bit
Modern description of what I've called a Hollis bit, I have one somewhere.....
https://www.horseloverz.com/product/gag/295609-kellysilverstarhgagtwistsnafflebit.html?sku=5-249181&gdftrk=gdfV27555_a_7c1161_a_7c2883_a_7c5_d_249181&ev_pid=5-249181&ev_ppid=51320962143&ev_adtype=pla&ev_cmpg=Shopping&gclid=CJ3EgNywvMUCFQqGaQoddx0AjA
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Member
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The metal finish looks very similiar but the mouth piece is not mullen - it's a twisted wire (maybe old copper or something b/c it's a different shade of color that the rest of the bit). Good for barrels? I'm gonna try it out on my mare if it ever dries out to where I can ride again!!!
I didn't think of googling... lol. On to research more about this Roy fellar!!!! |
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| Roy bits and spurs were about the best you could buy. They are no longer made. When you bought either, they lasted for ever. I have a friend that has a pair of Roy slip-on spurs that are at least 40 years old. I think I have one bit. Edited to add that those bits were about $70 years ago. This one is made very much like the Hollis gag.
Edited by streakysox 2015-05-12 9:42 AM
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Expert
Posts: 1611
| I never realized until this thread how much that looks like a Kathy James bit. Kathy's or Roy's either ones are great bits!
Roy's bits were expensive back in the day. |
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Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | Sorry, I meant for you to look at the maker stamp on the bit I posted the link to, here it is: I realize these are not the same bits, but if you google the Hollis gag bit you will find several like the one you have. Set in the mouth with a slight wrinkle and you will need a longer chin strap, the feel to me is similar to a cervi short shank, just has a little more throw on the mouth.....I usually had a fairly tight chin strap too, if it was looser it might be a little more like the simplicity. I have found better bits to ride with BUT I haven't gotten rid of mine either....you never know.....  |
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Member
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| LMS - 2015-05-12 9:50 AM
Sorry, I meant for you to look at the maker stamp on the bit I posted the link to, here it is: I realize these are not the same bits, but if you google the Hollis gag bit you will find several like the one you have. Set in the mouth with a slight wrinkle and you will need a longer chin strap, the feel to me is similar to a cervi short shank, just has a little more throw on the mouth.....I usually had a fairly tight chin strap too, if it was looser it might be a little more like the simplicity. I have found better bits to ride with BUT I haven't gotten rid of mine either....you never know.....
Yes, that's the stamp/imprint! Is this mainly used for barrels, ya think? Is it a considered a light, medium, or harsh bit (knowing the riders hands make a bit, but ya'll know what I'm asking). I'm glad I "stole" it out of my mom's storage... lol. Now I want more Roy bits!! |
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Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| Most trainers around here think it is pretty harsh. I have light hands and I rode with a Hollis that looks almost like that for many years. Like you said, depends on your hands. |
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Member
Posts: 17
| streakysox - 2015-05-12 10:03 AM
Most trainers around here think it is pretty harsh. I have light hands and I rode with a Hollis that looks almost like that for many years. Like you said, depends on your hands.
Thank you. Appreciate the info! |
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 Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | astreakinchic - 2015-05-12 9:48 AM I never realized until this thread how much that looks like a Kathy James bit. Kathy's or Roy's either ones are great bits! Roy's bits were expensive back in the day.
They have the same look, but the action on the Roy bits is not great. The gag tends to hang. I think I still have one of those or an original Hollis hanging somewhere. |
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Expert
Posts: 1611
| rachellyn80 - 2015-05-12 11:16 AM
astreakinchic - 2015-05-12 9:48 AM I never realized until this thread how much that looks like a Kathy James bit. Kathy's or Roy's either ones are great bits! Roy's bits were expensive back in the day.
They have the same look, but the action on the Roy bits is not great. The gag tends to hang. I think I still have one of those or an original Hollis hanging somewhere.
We've got some old roy's hanging in the trailer. They are covered in dust if that tells you anything LOL
I'm an L&W bit junkie. William and Chuck are reasonably priced and everything is well made. I prefer my kathy james bits if I want something like this... |
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Member
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| astreakinchic - 2015-05-12 10:21 AM
rachellyn80 - 2015-05-12 11:16 AM
astreakinchic - 2015-05-12 9:48 AM I never realized until this thread how much that looks like a Kathy James bit. Kathy's or Roy's either ones are great bits! Roy's bits were expensive back in the day.
They have the same look, but the action on the Roy bits is not great. The gag tends to hang. I think I still have one of those or an original Hollis hanging somewhere.
We've got some old roy's hanging in the trailer. They are covered in dust if that tells you anything LOL
I'm an L&W bit junkie. William and Chuck are reasonably priced and everything is well made. I prefer my kathy james bits if I want something like this...
Good to know - thank you. I'm still excited that I found a "goodie" in mom's hoarder room! lol.... no telling how old this bit really is (my parents are over 70). |
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boon
Posts: 1
| Roy Robinson is my father and he manufactured bits, spurs, and saddle hardware. The name of his company started out as "Roy Bits & Spurs" , then later became "The Roy Company". He was very well known and respected in the rodeo industry. The company was eventually closed and Roy passed away last year.
I wanted to respond to this post because it is good to know that his legacy lives on and that people still speak highly of him and recognize his products. He will continue to live on thru rodeo and people who remember him. It's a good feeling to know that his products are still being used and sought after. He is a true cowboy who is greatly missed by friends and family. |
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 Quarter Horse HIstorian
Posts: 2878
Location: Aubrey, Texas | Thank you for coming on to post! Yes, your father was certainly well known and his work respected! I'm sure you are very proud of him and you have every right to be. Back in the day, when I would hear people talk about bits, they would put a certain emphasis on the word "Roy" that conveyed the respect he commanded among the cowboys, kind of like if you were in a secret club and that was the password- |
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | M6riffin - 2015-05-22 8:39 PM Roy Robinson is my father and he manufactured bits, spurs, and saddle hardware. The name of his company started out as "Roy Bits & Spurs" , then later became "The Roy Company". He was very well known and respected in the rodeo industry. The company was eventually closed and Roy passed away last year. I wanted to respond to this post because it is good to know that his legacy lives on and that people still speak highly of him and recognize his products. He will continue to live on thru rodeo and people who remember him. It's a good feeling to know that his products are still being used and sought after. He is a true cowboy who is greatly missed by friends and family.
Now how cool is this that we got a new member and you are a child of Roy Robinson  I have a few of his bits too....  And wanted to say welcome to the board  |
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Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| M6riffin - 2015-05-22 8:39 PM
Roy Robinson is my father and he manufactured bits, spurs, and saddle hardware. The name of his company started out as "Roy Bits & Spurs" , then later became "The Roy Company". He was very well known and respected in the rodeo industry. The company was eventually closed and Roy passed away last year.
I wanted to respond to this post because it is good to know that his legacy lives on and that people still speak highly of him and recognize his products. He will continue to live on thru rodeo and people who remember him. It's a good feeling to know that his products are still being used and sought after. He is a true cowboy who is greatly missed by friends and family.
I have a friend who has trained many many barrel horses for many years. She reminded me just the other day that she still had her Roy slip on spurs. Around in the E Texas area we considered Roy bits the mark of excellence. I still check eBay for Roy bits occasionally. |
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Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | One of my favorite bits ever is a mullen sweet iron Roy with swivel shanks |
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Member
Posts: 17
| M6riffin - 2015-05-22 8:39 PM
Roy Robinson is my father and he manufactured bits, spurs, and saddle hardware. The name of his company started out as "Roy Bits & Spurs" , then later became "The Roy Company". He was very well known and respected in the rodeo industry. The company was eventually closed and Roy passed away last year.
I wanted to respond to this post because it is good to know that his legacy lives on and that people still speak highly of him and recognize his products. He will continue to live on thru rodeo and people who remember him. It's a good feeling to know that his products are still being used and sought after. He is a true cowboy who is greatly missed by friends and family.
Thanks so much for sharing with us! This makes it even more cool! :)
...now if it will stop raining for a day or two so I could ride I'm gonna try my Roy bit out on my mare! :) |
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 Hot Dispatcher
Posts: 10185
Location: Utah | I have a Roy hackamore that I love I wish I could find another. My father in law has several Roy bits. |
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