This is a vintage collectible copper mullen mouth colt cutter bit made by Kurtis Rudelbach or Reno, Nevada in the style popularized by John Israel.  The bit is in well maintained pre owned condition with some light rusting to the iron shanks and light wear to the copper strike mouthpiece.  Kurtis Rudelbach started making bits and hackamores full time in 1976 and started numbering them in the late 1970's.  This bit is stamped with his initials KR and the number 012 which represents the style of "bit" or hackamore.   He is featured in the 1998 book " The Concise Guide to Contemporary Spur Makers" volume 2.  This bit looks, feels, and rides just like a "JOHN" bit about the only difference is that Kurtis' welds are much smoother.  This style of bit really gets a colt to handle and you will not find a successful cutter who has not packed one.

The shanks measure 4-1/2 inches in length, the length of the purchase is 2 inches and the 9/16 mullen mouthpiece is 4-3/4 inches wide.  The bit should be adjusted to fit with one wrinkle at the corner of the horse's mouth.  This is a nice light bit and the copper keeps the horse's mouth moist allowing the bit.  This is a high quality piece of tack hand made in the USA.