Pair of close-plate iron spurs, British (c 1770-1815)

Title	Pair of close-plate iron spurs
Nationality	British
Period	c 1770-1815

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These are lightweight officer's spurs in close-plated iron. Close plate was a method of fusing thin silver sheet to an iron base. In the 19th century, the military officer's spur tended to get heavier; the dress spur proper, often of cast brass and with a short iron spiggot at the heel, came into use with the new soft leather dress boots.

In this case, as with the heavier field spurs, the buckle was normally worn on the outside instep of the boot, secured by a leather strap or small chain under the instep, with another one running over it.

These are in excellent shape, having been carefully hand cleaned. There is one small blemish to the close plate and some expected patination to the finish overall, viz the iron parts of the buckles. The studs of the buckle fittings were originally tinned and thus now have a grey finish. This was simply to weatherproof an area which was subject to heavier usage, with leather straps being slipped on and off, than the rest of the piece.

They were probably made in Birmingham, London or Sheffield, at that time the main centres for horse furniture production, in England at any rate.

The depth of the spur (from the internal heel to the front of the spur) is 7.5 cm and the width is 6.9 cm.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Horse Furniture : Spurs : British : 18th Century]

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