Saving Silver|Collecting Bits and Spurs

When I walk through any cowboy trade show—but particularly the World Championship Ranch Rodeo in Amarillo each November—I’m inexorably drawn to the displays of bits and spurs. And I don’t know exactly why.

I’ve always had a good pair of spurs and more bits than I use. What do I need with more? Truth is I don’t, and I often don’t actually buy anything, but I just can’t help but look. Matter of fact, as I work through a minor case of writer’s block for this blog, one of the first websites I visit is a bit- and spur-trading site. I think I’ve bought one bit off the internet in 15 years of looking.

I suppose first and foremost, functionality is what draws me to the metallurgic cowboy arts. While I have many bits, only a few work really well. It’s not always the ones I expect to, either. I have a little Tommy Sprayberry shanked dogbone snaffle that feels good on any horse any time I use it. I’ve bought several others hoping to replicate that feel—including another Sprayberry—but nothing quite matches it. And S&Ws always feels good in my hands, and as fragile as they are, they’re getting harder and harder to find. Regardless, I still have one I use.

The second reason is beauty. What other work of art can carry just as much character on the day it was produced as it can after 10, 20, 30, or even 50 years of hard, cowboying use? I appreciate the old, original masters, and marvel at the latest works of art being churned out by the newest generation. I know collectors charge more for spurs with tight rowels, but I love seeing (and hearing) a good pair of spurs with the pins worn down and rowels jingling freely. Plus, the silver just pops more once the steel has aged.

Which segues into my final, and probably least important reason: I love bits and spurs for their collectability. I have a handful that some might say are collectible, and there’s a certain amount of pride that goes along with that. Though, in full disclosure, some of my most effective bits are my least sought-after. Regardless, it’s important to collect and preserve these treasures. Hopefully someday my descendants will appreciate and them as much as I have.