b'By Jim and Bobbi Jeen Olson,WesternTradingPost.com C ollecting spurs dont make you no cowboy!Todays spur collector is a diverse community of7 Rowel Varieties: Spurs feature a wide range of However, collecting spurs can be a fun andfolks, ranging from authentic cowboys, Westernrowel designs, including everything from blunted rewarding hobby, enjoyed by thousands ofhistorians, and individuals from all walks of life withrowels to ones with many points. Cloverleaf-folks. Not only does it provide the opportunity toa deep affinity for the cowboy lifestyle. This hobby notshaped rowels and silver dollar rowels can even be own exquisite metalwork, but also to own a piece ofonly offers an opportunity to connect with the richseen on many a fancy pair of spurs.Western history. The origins of spurs trace their rootshistory of the American West but also fosters a sense back as early as the 5th century BC. These invaluableof camaraderie among those who share a passion for8 Regional Styles: Different regions developed tools found widespread use among Europeanthese iconic symbols of the Western Frontier. their own distinct styles of spurs, leading to horsemen during the Middle Ages and virtually everymany variations in design, rowel shapes, and horse culture since, who possessed blacksmithingHERE ARE 10 INTERESTING embellishments. California, Texas, Wyoming, Spanish, skills, incorporated spurs into their riding traditions. FACTS ABOUT SPURS: Mexican, Argentinian, and many other regional designs are just a few examples.The journey of spurs to the North American1 Ancient Origins: Spurs have a history dating backEarning Your Spurs: Medieval knights were Continent unfolded in two distinct ways. The Britishthousands of years, with their origins traced to the9 awarded gilded spurs as a badge of honor forintroduced them to the Northeastern region ofCelts and Romans. They were initially crude metal what is now the United States. But before that, thetools used for horse control. bravery or gallantry in the course of duty. This Spaniards brought them to what is now Floridawas one of the highest honors bestowed on a knight. and the surrounding Islands to the south, andToday, contestants in many equine events are awarded then to New Spain which later became Mexico.2 Name Sake: This very old word derivesspurs as trophiesstill a badge of high honor.However, the act of collecting spurs is a relativelyfrom the Anglo-Saxon word spura. The sense recent phenomenon. This interest was spurred onof anything that urges on, or stimulus is10 Most Expensive: If you google most for modern-day collectors with the closing of therecorded as a meaning of the word in English sinceexpensive spurs, it will show you American Old West era, the rise and popularity ofancient times. information about Victor Wembanyama of cowboy films during Hollywoods golden age, thethe San Antonio Spurs, basketball jersey selling for proliferation of Western literature and magazines,3 Spreading Across Europe: Spurs gained$762,000. (Ooops.) But to our knowledge, the most and the growing acceptance of rodeos and relatedpopularity in Europe during the Middleexpensive pair of Cowboy spurs ever sold at auction events as mainstream entertainment. This surge inAges and were used extensively by Europeanwas Edward Bohlins parade spurs that sold for global popularity transformed the cowboy into anhorsemen, contributing to their widespread adoption$235,000 in 2022.enduring American icon, prompting people to begininequestrian culture that grew far and wide.collecting items associated with the Wild West. TheIn conclusion, collecting spurs is not just a hobby, trend took root during the early and mid-1900s and4 Spanish Influence: The design of the modernit is a journey through time and an appreciation continues today. Western spur is heavily influenced by Spanish- of craftsmanship. These small metal objects carry style spurs, which were brought to the Americasthe legacy of centuries of horsemanship. Who Some spurs carry a substantial price tag and areby Spanish conquistadors during the 16th century. would have thought that a tool used by horsemen eagerly sought after by collectorsoften taking theirfor thousands of years would evolve into a form of place alongside other prized Western memorabilia.5 Materials: Traditionally spurs were made frommetallic art? Those Celtic and Roman blacksmiths Among the most coveted spurs are antique specimensa variety of materials, including iron, steel, andwould be amazed that the simple, almost crude, that have withstood the test of time. Those craftedlater, brass, stainless steel, and even aluminum. forms of spurs they once made would evolve into an by renowned makers and adorned with silverart form that nowadays can sell for many thousands embellishments, tend to command higher value.6 Embellishments: Many spurs are decoratedof dollars!Nevertheless, contemporary collectors also covetwith silver, copper, or brass in the form ofspurs produced by modern-day artisans. Owninginlay or overlay designs. Jingle-bobs which So lets embark on this fascinating adventure together, a pair of beautifully crafted spurs by a sought-afterhang near the rowels and make noise are anotherwhere youll find a world of rich history, camaraderie, maker is considered a badge of honor. In fact, thepopular embellishment. and discovery. Happy collecting! value of spurs created by prominent modern-day artisans can often rival or surpass that of the antique variety by a famous maker.Crockett Spurs, with provenance,Published Granny Martin Spurs Fancy Pair of Diamond and Dot Pattern Spurs once owned by Andy Griffith with Nice Straps32 January 2024'