One of the most talented silversmiths these days is Ernie Marsh.
From his website: “Ernie Marsh, his wife, Teresa and sons, Milo and Audie enjoy a small ranch in the high desert country of eastern Oregon. His passion for bits and spurs became reality through the educational programs of the late Elmer Miller of Nampa, Idaho, and John Barraclough of Pasadena, California.
“Since 1990, his unique style of combining firearms engraving with traditional inlay techniques have made his work distinctive. With function as the underlying foundation, his work is sought by serious horsemen as well as collectors.
“Marsh Brothers was established by Ernie and Teresa Marsh in 1990, as Marsh Bit & Spur; after six years and two sons, the name was changed to Marsh Brothers Oregon Silver.
“In 1998, Marsh Brothers acquired the tooling to produce the Tietjen traditional bridle bits, designed and produced between 1970-1985 by Al Tietjen of Reno, Nevada.”
Marsh was raised in California and Washington, grew up riding horses, roping and riding bulls. He developed an early interest in art and eventually attended Elmer Miller’s school in Idaho. When he returned home he sold everything he had and invested in tools. As with most silversmiths, he had a hard time making a living doing spurs and bits so he branched off into engraving firearms and knives which proved more profitable. “Engraving is a never ending learning process and that’s what makes it fun,” Marsh says.
Ernie has been selected for membership in the prestigious Traditional Cowboy Artists Association and has submitted some truly outstanding work. He is no longer doing commission work on bits and spurs, but his website shows items currently in inventory that are for sale.
You can get to his website by clicking HERE.