This is a Sliester Bits Aluminum Shank Mechanical Hackamore #20 in well maintained pre-owned condition.  This particular hackamore is made from low maintenance cast Aluminum and features a medium oil L-1 leather noseband and 9 inch aluminum cheeks for a milder response.  This hackamore has a type of noseband that works on pressure points on the face, nose, and chin.  Like a bit, a hackamore can be gentle or harsh, depending on the hands of the rider.  It is a myth that a bit is cruel and a hackamore is gentler.   The curb chain/strap works in a horse's curb groove and the flexible stainless leather covered noseband shapes to individual horse to sit on proper point of nose.  This is a high quality piece of tack hand made in the USA.

Each Sliester Bit or Hackamore is custom made, never mass produced, offering a fine feeling of balance and they are very difficult to find in retail stores.  This hackamore is from Sliester's "Original Series" and this line is what started the company and has proven over the past 6 decades to be of great design and craftsmanship.  The hackamore is marked Auberry, California.  Don & Vic Sliester started the company in 1954 in Sanger, California, with their iconic aluminum hackamore.  In 1980, the Sliesters sold the business to Earl Dunn of Auberry, California who moved the company that year.

Sliester bits are hand made in Auberry, and are made to last a lifetime of use.  Don't be fooled by the other major bit brands that import their bits from China.  They are inferior bits that will either break or injure your horse.  Sliester bits are never mass produced and always a good heavy duty bit that will last you a lifetime lasts and lasts.