One of the original makers of Cowboy Spurs was a man called August Buermann.

He was born in Germany in 1842 and eventually moved to America where he became one of the Big 3 spur makers of the 19th and 20th Century.

If you are interested in getting some Buermann spurs, then you need to look for the Star brand marking which was his "makers mark". This star design was stamped on to every single pair of his spurs and can usually be found just under the spur strap button or lug.

Buermann eventually sold up the company due to old age and it was bought by another one of the Big 3 spur makers - North and Judd.

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If you are looking for the best pair of antique western spurs to add to your collection, you might want to consider getting yourself a pair of Full Mounted Spurs or Double Mounted Spurs.

This term refers to the extra designs, images or "flash" that are mounted all around both sides of the cowboy spur - inside and out.  Most spurs are half mounted, only showing designs on the outside but there are pairs where the maker has decided to put as much silver onto them as possible.

The double mounted spurs will cost more money and will generally be more valuable as a collectors item as the extra amount of the silver, copper or bronze will add to the overall value.

Incoming searches:

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When purchasing a pair of cowboy spurs or vintage cowboy spurs, it is important to know as much information about the item you are buying.  As you become more proficient in knowing the marks of the spur makers and the different designs of rowels, you will be able to spot a pair of North and Judd spurs a mile away.

The term Half Mounted Spurs refers to the silver decoration adorning the spur itself.  Half Mounted means that the silver is only visible on one half of the spur - usually the outside so that others can see the decoration.

Half Mounted Spurs can feature a wide range of designs of silver, bronze or copper decals, patterns or motifs.  I suspect you could even get a pair with your name mounted on too - if you really wanted!

If you look at the picture above you can see that the silver decoration is only on the outside of the spur, not on the inside.

Incoming searches:

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When you talk about Cowboy Spurs and the makers of western bits, buckles, spurs and tack there are 3 famous makers, refered to as "The BIG 3" that are most common.  Collectors of western memorabillia know these makers as a testament of quality, originality and genuine American history.

• North and Judd
• Renalde
• Crockett

The 3 companies all have simple, small groundings in the manufacturing of spurs and eventually all became one company under the brand of Crockett Renalde before the company finally closed.

There has never been a better trio of hand craftsmen than the skill and experience behind people such as Jim Renalde

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Just a reminder that the Mid States Bit and Spur swap is on this weekend.

It will start at 12:30pm on Saturday the 10th of Jan at the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma.  The swap is located in the Claremore Room.

Map

Come along and bring your gear - there will be no official stands selling spurs - only what people bring along.

The Museum also has lots of old cowboy spurs and other indian stuff to look at.

More information can be found over at the offical Mid States Bit and Spur Swap events website.

If you do attend, let me know how it goes.  I can't make it.