old spur any info?

[didustealmymonky]

a family friend gave this to me he was working on building interstates in the 40s and found this in a house in the attic of a house that was to be torn down to make way for the road he said it looked like it hadnt had anyone living in it in a 100 years

 

[stefen]

The rowel is identical to a Mexican rowel, however, the body seems too delicate....Mexican spurs typically are much bulkier in appearance (see pic below), although the dingle located at the rowel says Mexican...

In overall appearances, its most likely a dress or show spur with plenty of jingle-jangle sounds...

Most older Mexican spurs are broader and made of hand-forged steel chased with silver (see pic below), however, this spur has an overall cast appearance.

On older Mexican spurs, the instep leather band usually is a thin belt...maybe 1 inch wide...this belt is similar to those used today...some of which are carved leather and are more for show (flashy) than function...

Best guess, the spur is contemporary.

 

[kuger]

I wouldnt be so fast to judge this spur as "new",I have a fair collection of spurs both dug and ones I used to use on a normal basis.Yes the larger rowells are generally termed as Mexican,however early Californio's used the same type as well, and often were not the bulky ones as pictured.The "jingle Bobs",are in no way any way to determine Ethnic use either,"Bobs"(as they are commonly called)were originally used to both break to monotny of "silence",when riding,and two to sooth the cattle being driven,they are still used today.I have at least one I dug at a very early site that is very similiar to yours as well.

 

[stefen]

Correct, early Californio's used the same style spur & rowel, most likely because California, formerly a part of Mexico, entered the union in 1849...Californio's were Mexicans...

The heavier spurs shown above range in dates from around 1830 to possibly 1900.

The spur that Didustealmymonky pictured is more recent (hence, the term contemporary) and is cast and not forged.

The jingle-bobs ( aka, dingles) are ethnic and were influenced by the Mexicans vaquero along the areas now comprised of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Chaps and reatas were also adapted from the vaqueros.

Typically, the jingle alerted the horse that its rider was wearing spurs. From experience, my horses had a better attitude when I wore spurs...and frequently when they were goofing off all I had to do was shake my heal and jingle my rowels immediately brought the horse to attention.

 

[Real de Tayopa Tropical Tramp]

HI, one additional bit of data. The jingle bobs were also used to set the pace. The horse or mule would continue at the same frequency once trained. However my mule would never go at any other pace than her own, sigh.

As for spurs, rental mules in the bush will not respond without them. Once I had to make a pair out of willow wishbone branches and tie them on with pigging lashes / strings or I would still be out in the back country.

Don Jose de La Mancha

 

[kuger]

I still disagree that the spur pictured is "Contemporary",(unless you define contemporary as pre 1900)

 

[stefen]

So we agree to disagree...contemporary being post 1900

 

[stefen]

Wow, you guys know your spurs!! Since this one seems to be solved, may I hijack the thread to ask about these? All I can tell you is they were acquired by my great-grandfather in the late 1850's when he was stationed at Fort Buchanan (formerly New Mexico Territory) They look Spanish (or Mexican?), they're silver, but beyond that I know nothing. Thanks!

Not solved as yet...

First, Spanish and Mexican shouldn't be confused...2 different worlds. We are comparing white castillion with native indian / peon lifestyles. This will definitely have a great affect on use and workmanship. If I had to guess, I'd say that the spurs originated in Spain and are for dress only and are beyond the monetary means of a typical vaquero...However, if they happen to be Mexican, probably from the Taxco region...

 

[johnnyi]

Thanks for the help Stephan. I'm taking mine off until you solve it.

 

[BuckleBoy]

I'm tagging this post so that I can read the great discussion posted here. All I can say is that the spur is certainly Western-Style. Wish I could contribute more.


Regards,


Buckles

 

[stefen]

Thanks for the help Stephan. I'm taking mine off until you solve it.

Shouldn' say solved...just not completely resolved... we just have several opinions and both could be right...

Disappointed that you removed your posted pictures and commentary...you added to the wide history of the spur...

Should see some of the antique spurs originating from the arabian countries...could literally kill a horse with one violent kick...basically a wicked ice pick shaped heal attachment...

 

[kuger]

Thanks for the help Stephan. I'm taking mine off until you solve it.

Shouldn' say solved...just not completely resolved... we just have several opinions and both could be right...

Disappointed that you removed your posted pictures and commentary...you added to the wide history of the spur...

Should see some of the antique spurs originating from the arabian countries...could literally kill a horse with one violent kick...basically a wicked ice pick shaped heal attachment...


Isnt that the truth Stephan!!!Some of those spurs are down right midevil!!!I agree Johnny awesome spurs and priceless!!!

 

[stefen]

Extreme spur as mentioned above...Arab Prick Spur...could kill a horse

A similar spur is used for cock fighting...razor sharp

 

[stefen]

Or on a cock

Whoa back off!I am not going to get into a tiff on here.You obviously dont know history and how far back the practice goes,and to what extent the cultural base is.I didnt say I participate,I said collect,I have implements from Rome.I am a collector of ALL Gold Rush Lore and it was a favorite pastime in those days as well.If you want to throw judgements many people think it is very cruel to ride a horse let alone wear spurs,I suggest you know your facts and perhaps travel outside the U.S a little.

Hey. Don't get your panties in a wad for no reason...nor do you have a position to state that I obviously don't know history...

You stated that "I for the life of me cant see why they would use something like that on a horse??"

And I responded "Or on a cock".

We are discussing spurs not personalities...

There is no judgement implied or any implication that you are a participant...its simply a response stating the extreme cruelty man has imposed on animals...

This is a forum for a rational discussion not a pissing contest...

What's it going to be?

 

[johnnyi]

"Disappointed that you removed your posted pictures and commentary...you added to the wide history of the spur..."

Sorry Stephan, I thought they might be in the way. I'll post them up again...

 

[rjw4law]

Nice looking spurs.