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ca. 1870 -1920
CHIHUAHUA VAQUERO SPURS – HEAVY HAND FORGED IRON WITH
HAND HAMMERED CACTUS DESIGN – VERY SOLID MATCHED PAIR:
Hand wrought
of heavy iron, these Chihuahua Vaquero Spurs are
generally believed to have originated in the latter half
of the 19TH Century with the cowboys in the
arid northern deserts of Mexico, hence bearing the name
of the country’s famous northern state. Fashioned in
substantial proportions, there is no question these
spurs were designed to withstand the day to day wear of
a working vaquero in a harsh environment.
Given the style of
decoration and the character of the handwork, I believe
this pair dates from the period of 1870 – 1920,
certainly no later than that. While this basic form of
spur is still being produced in Mexico, the more modern
versions are not made in such heavy proportions, nor are
they decorated in this manner with this degree of skill
or sense of design.
The spurs feature a 1 ½”
wide heel band and a substantial 2 ½” long shank. The
outside curve of each heel band and the corresponding
outside flat of the shank are decorated with a hand
hammered stylized cactus design reminiscent of the
ubiquitous prickly pear cactus that blankets the border
region. The figures of the cactus plant are executed in
high relief with a stippled background. The eight
pointed sunburst style rowels measure 3 ½” in diameter.
The rowels spin freely and are pinned in place with a
heavy iron rivet with a flower bud shaped head. The
spurs are set with a pair of spur strap buttons mounted
on thin iron straps through slots in the heel bands.
One of the spurs is missing one of the buttons, however
the original strap which held the button is still
present and unbroken. The button is of such a basic
pattern and assembly that should the new owner wish to
restore the button, it would be a simple task for any
blacksmith shop. The iron of both spurs has a smooth
naturally aged
patina without any significant pitting, and is solid
throughout with no weak points.
This is a very
attractive pair of Chihuahua Spurs of the type worn by
the working vaqueros in the brush country of the
Northern Mexico desert. No doubt that many Texas, New
Mexico, Arizona and California cowboys wore these as
well, as they embraced the material horse culture of the
border region. This is a desirable early pair that has
survived in very nice condition. (0223) $175
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