S. Ruano, born in 1922, was a noted bit maker and horse trainer from California. This bit is hand engraved silver and gold overlay with Makers Mark on right inside shank. Some but not all S. Ruano bits may have a single or double digit number following the Makers Mark indicating year bit was made but this bit does not have a number(s). The mouth piece is a curb/medium port, 4 7/8” width and a 7 1/2” shank length.
I purchased a Bohlin parade saddle, including a Bohlin headstall with this bit included at auction back in 1998. I have since sold the saddle and headstall. This is a nice collectors bit.