C. Roberts Art, California Spurs, Pipe Axe Tomahawks, Sheffield Bowies, Spanish Colonial spurs, Price Daggers, Chuck Roberts

Dick Engel sold a pair of Chuck's spurs in a mid-1980's Amarillo, Texas auction and we discovered many new friends who collected this spur style. C. Roberts mostly made California spurs because he loved the type worn in the early days of California.

C. Roberts' spur and bit offerings were shaped by collector, Lou Kosloff, and his book called "California Bit and Spur." Mr. Kosloff was kind enough to meet with Cindy in Santa Barbara, California. He examined Chuck's work and encouraged Cindy to keep making these old styles. He commented on the beauty and unique craftsmanship of Chuck's work which reminded him of the original California spurs. He also autographed his book.

Mr. Kosloff's book, filled with glossy, close-up photographs, influenced the design of many of the spurs and bits C. Roberts built. Chuck and Cindy's copy of this sturdy, leather book, number #659, is well-worn due to excessive use. Although Chuck grew up in Southern California, high quality photographs of the best, Old California spurs were hard to come by in the early 1980's. Chuck and Cindy have always felt a measure of gratitude to Mr. Kosloff and his fine publication.

About 1989, Chuck decided to make a particular style of Sheffield Bowie, rescued from history by the late D. E. Henry. While purchasing supplies and equipment, Chuck had the good fortune of becoming acquainted with Bob and Stephanie Engnath. Bob, a master grinder, was the first person to note Chuck's exceptional talent for grinding large blades. Paul Basch became Chuck's exclusive English Bowie dealer for several years. Both Bob Engnath and Paul Basch were among the finest men we ever knew in the knife trade.

In the 1990's, Chuck continued making Old California bits and spurs, along with bowie knives. Soon, his love for Old California styles affected his knife designs, too. He made exquisite Price Daggers, an early San Francisco gentleman's knife.

Chuck completed his first, smokeable Rifleman's Presentation Pipe Tomahawk about 2005. An interest took hold in the collector community for this period-style axe so C. Roberts began making more pipe axes.

C. Roberts has been privileged to sell their work internationally for display in museums, restaurants, banks, hotels, corporate offices, as well as homes decorated in an Old California style. Celebrities, western authors, gun performers, and art buyers are among the collectors who love their intricate and flamboyant Old California style. The common trait among C. Roberts art buyers is they only buy the very best.

A North Dakota native, Chuck grew up near his cousin's movie ranch in the hills of Chatsworth, California. He marveled over the craftsmanship of original guns, axes, knives and spurs, used as props in many old Western movies of that era. Several movie stars, especially the "cowboy" stars were his neighbors and acquaintances of his father.

Cindy grew up riding horses in Oklahoma, but left for California soon after graduating from college. She met Chuck a few months later and her life was forever changed. They shared many common interests, including a love for Old California. C. Roberts studio is mostly dark since Chuck passed, but Cindy is planning a future for the space.