As with every piece of antique furniture, silver or pottery, the people who were the makers of Cowboy Spurs also had their own set of markings they applied to their work. Spurs were made from various materials including silver, iron, bronze and later aluminum and the mark was stamped into the metal with a hammer.

There are several reasons why the spur makers used to do this. One was to identify their own products as the items were rarely stamped or marked with a serial number. Also, it was common for custom cowboy spurs to be made at the request and design of the wearer and therefore some of the spurs made would not be the same each time.

The sets of custom spurs were made to order and the wearer measured and the spur made to fit their requirements. Ensuring that the spur was stamped with the company brand or name would perhaps have been the only way that the maker may have known who they were made by. It also helps collectors and historians know who made the spurs and gives an indication to their value.

Marking the spurs with the makers name or initials was the most common way for them to be branded. The name of the maker, such as CROCKETT, CR or RENALDE would be stamped into the metal by hand, often along the inside of the heel band.

Other companies opted for images as their brand mark. One such company is the North and Judd spur making company who use the sign of an anchor as their brand mark. Unlike the initials or name of the maker, this is displayed prominently on the outside of the spur and has now become a popular mark for collectors of such items.

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What the marks on Cowboy Spurs mean The Markings Of Cowboy Spurs Makers The Marks Of Cowboy Spurs Makers The Logos Of Cowboy Spurs Makers Logos Of The Cowboy Spurs Makers

I guess it is possible to collect almost anything you want. Some people like to collect furniture or antique jewelry but there is a set of people who like to own something that is close to their heart – and what could be closer than a real piece of American history.

American historic memorabilia is a highly collectible area and there are many different things that you can collect. Vintage clothing, money, gold or even cars – but collecting items owned by the cowboys that made America the country it is today brings great pride.

Although you might think cowboy spurs are a recent item, their original design began in ancient Rome. Through the years, the design has changed from a basic spike to a more sophisticated design. The spur also became an item that was a sign of wealth and status, having silver, gold and bronze designs and patterns added which also added to the cost and value of the items.

The makers of cowboy spurs became quite famous whilst they were alive. As with any brand name today, each set of spurs was stamped with their mark or name. Some makers also made spurs for the mounted cavalry and army during the American Civil War and it is the makers mark that helps historians and collectors estimate the age of the spurs.

Where there is a dollar to be made you can guarantee that there is also another company there to take that away from you. Spur making was no different. Larger companies bought smaller ones and towards the end of the mass manufacture of spurs and tack, there was only 1 company who had bought up the majority of the other smaller outfits to become the largest producer of spurs and western tack in American.

Nothing evokes memories of childhood or passion and pride for America like items from the Old Wild West. The forefathers of the great country lead the way for what has become a powerful nation with influence reaching all over the world.

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Collecting Cowboy Spurs