About the author
Author Nancy Schaut and her husband Jim (a photographer) have been writing about antiques and collectibles, especially old cars and automotive memorabilia, since 1978. Hundreds of their articles have been published in collector-oriented magazines. The Schauts cover the Cowboy and Native American art scene, and have profiled talented artists and craftspersons. Nancy enjoys writing about historic travel locations in the American West and is currently working on a series of stories about the history behind our Western tourist railroads.

Visit
Nancy's Website

Books by
Jim and Nancy Schaut

 
Click image to order

Collecting the Old West

Horsin' Around: A Guide to Equine Memorabilia

American Automobilia: An Illustrated History and Price Guide

~ SPURMAKERS OF THE OLD WEST ~

It is generally agreed that spurs were introduced into our Western culture by the Spanish conquistadors. Certainly, that Hispanic influence is apparent in early spurs, that is those manufactured in the early to mid-1800s. Spanish Colonial spurs command prices indicative of truly historical artifacts. Their ornate metal work and large rowels set them apart from the more Anglicized spurs.

These traits remained prevalent in Mexican-style spurs throughout the twentieth century. Large rowels, an unusually wide heelband and ornate silver overlay are hints that a spur was made in Mexico. Animals were often used in decorations, too, especially a snake in the form of a figure eight.

American-made spurs tend to reflect the things that cowboys liked most. While spurs are often decorated with horseheads, there are two things that repeatedly are found on spurs. One is the symbols from playing cards - hearts, spades, diamonds and clubs and the other is women's legs, often engraved with detailed stockings and high button shoes. "Gal leg" spurs are as popular with collectors as they were with the cowboys.

Signed spurs are most desirable. If you would like to collect spurs, you need to learn the names of the spurmakers, and their signatures. A signature can be a name, engraved initials or a logo like North and Judd's anchor mark, or just a certain look that tells the serious collector who the maker was.

Some of the most widely collected spurmakers are Oscar Crockett, August Buermann, J. R. McChesney, Mike Morales, Juan Echavarria, Jose Figueroa and P. M. Kelley. Currently, Crockett spurs seem to be enjoying the favor of collectors. While the Hercules Bronze Buermann's are a personal favorite of mine, they are somewhat down in price, while even plain Crocketts are selling for over $200.00 here in Arizona. Spurs by Crockett-Renalde can be identified by the "R" within a "C", while those by August Buermann are usually marked with a star surrounded by an "A" and a "B". Watch for those expertly crafted spurs that are marked simply with a number. These may indicate prison-made spurs! The Colorado state penitentiary in Canon City was well-known for the craftsmanship of its inmates.

The fancier and more ornate spurs are, the more appealing they are to collectors. Plain spurs by well-known spur makers still bring a decent price, but collectors want the silver overlay, ornate spur buttons and jinglebobs. Plain military spurs, however, are favored by Western enthusiasts and military collectors alike. Many of the U.S. marked spurs were made by Buermann.

While rusted, or "dug" spurs can be great wall hangers for yard or patio, condition is really important when collecting spurs. Buy the best you can afford, even if you only find one pair a year to add to your collection. Spurs should have no rust, and have no missing or broken parts. A little chink off the tip of a rowel's tooth will not detract from a spur's integrity but a clumsy repair sure will. Original leathers, even if worn, will add to a spur's desirability. Some folks do buy singles, especially if they are from popular craftsmen like Mike Morales, but on the whole, a matched pair is worth a lot more than two singles! Buyer beware, always a good rule, should be employed when purchasing spurs. You must inspect pairs very carefully. Unscrupulous sellers have been known to match up two similar spurs and offer them as a pair.

Spur catalogs are collected almost as widely as spurs. Early catalogs in good condition can sell for $100 and up. Sort through those old paper goods carefully! Any outfit that sold cowboy gear, whether saddles or chaps or farm equipment often offered spurs as well. For instance, the Miller Stockman catalogs from the 1950s usually had a page or two of spur patterns to choose from.

One of the best references for beginning spur collectors is by Joice Overton. ( Schiffer Publishing, 1997). The book includes pricing guidelines and introduces collectors to the different types of spurs and the history of some of the notable spur makers, along with color photographs.

If this introduction to spur collecting intrigues you, consider joining the National Bit, Spur and Saddle Collectors Association. You can reach them by snail mail at NBSSCA, PO Box 3035, Colorado Springs, CO 80934

Copyright © 2000 Nancy Schaut. All rights reserved