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.

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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.

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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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Here are a list of things to remember and consider when buying any antique westerns spurs or collectable boot spurs.  They are not a definiative guide of what to look for but these points will help you with buying items at auctions and finding new gems for your boot spur collection.

1.  History
Make sure that you know the history of the spur you are buying.  Is the seller reputable?  If you a buying them on eBay, make sure that you look for good feedback on the seller. Find out how to do this here.

2.  Markings
The markings on the western spurs will let you know who made them and in what time period.  The North and Judd anchor mark for example.  Know your markings!

3.  Design
Each maker has their own design style and unique manufacturing methods when they made their boot spurs.  Some use certain styles of Rowel and others have different shaped shanks - so bear this information in mind.  You will soon be able to spot the maker with just a glance.

4.  Age
Whether you collect new or old spurs, taking the age into account when buying will allow you to make the right purchase.  I suggest that you cross reference the item against another item that has sold.  If the price seems to good to be true, bear that in mind.  Even really old spurs are not always what they appear to be.

5.  Price
Buying antique spurs at an online auction is most likely the best way to proceed in starting or adding to your collection.  All manner of maker, shape and size are available 24 hours a day!  But remember that there must be a limit to what you are prepared to spend.  Some people just like to have spurs for decoration and actually use them too - but others require them as a collector of fine mid west american history.  Don't go mad - bidding too highly is easy to do.

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photo credit: joebrent

Riding spurs come in all different shapes and sizes, but this is just a general guide to fitting them.

1. Start by fitting the heel of your boot into the U-shaped part of the spur known as the Yoke or Shank.
2. The boot spur should rest at the top of the heel, where it meets the main body of the boot.
3. Attach the strap from the ankle around the front of the boot.
4. Some spurs will have a second strap that should run underneath the boot near to the heel.  If yours does, fasten that one on too.
5. Make sure the riding spur fit is snug, and the spurs shouldn't wobble at all. If they do then tighten the straps until they stop.

And there you go.  Make sure you know what you are doing if you plan to ride a horse and use spurs.  If used incorrectly they can cause the horse some pain, panic fear and discomfort.

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