Images(6)

Case for 12 Cockspurs

Dateca. 1770

Retailed by Samuel Toulmin

OriginEngland, London

MediumSharkskin; wood (mahogany?); paperboard; paper; textile; iron; copper alloy

DimensionsOL: 4 3/16" OW: 4 3/16" D: 1 9/16"

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Oliver

Object number1973-64,1

DescriptionCase for twelve cockspurs is black shagreen covered box of mahogany with interior divided by cardboard into triangular compartments lined with carnation silk satin . Lid of box is lined with Toulmin's label. Push-button closure of brass; brass hinges.
Label TextThe sporting tastes of colonial Virginians placed cockfighting immediately after hunting and horse racing. Hugh Jones commented, in his PRESENT STATE OF VIRGINIA (London, 1724): "The common planters leading easy lives don't much admire labour, or any manly exercise, except horse-racing, nor diversion, except cock-fighting, in which some greatly delight." After mid-century the Virginia Gazette carried accounts of cockfights between various Virginia county teams. John Greenhow, the Williamsburg merchant, advertised for sale on several occasions "cock gaffs" or spurs, unspecified as to material.

The case bears the trade card of Samuel Toulmin, who specialized in silver cockspurs, watches and clocks. He succeeded, as the trade card indicates, Richard Gatesfield, who in turn succeeded a Mr. Smith. The trade card is signed at the bottom "Brooke fecit Foster Lane." The incuse small-plate worker's mark "TS" on eleven of the spurs is unidentified. The "IM" mark on the twelfth may be that of John Moore of London, whose trade card illustrates two cockspurs within the cartouche and includes the note: "My Silver Spurs and Cock Spurs are marked with the two first letters of my Name, and all my Steel Spurs with my Sir Name at length." Two of the spurs have attached paper labels with ink inscriptions: (1) front, "Newcastle upon Tyne / 21st Jun 1795 / R.D."; back, "Return / The Duke of Hamilton / Capt O'callaghan"; (2) front, "Newcastle upon Tyne / 1st May 1802/ R.D. [illeg.]"; back, "This was a Subscription / main of 12 gr. Each."
InscribedPrinted text on trade card or label inside box lid: "Samuel Toulmin / Silver Cockspur Maker / Successor to Smith & Gatesfield / at the Dial & Crown near Hunger-/ford Market in the Strand / London / NB Mr. Gatesfield was friend & Sucessor to the late / Mr. Smith, mentioned in Mr. Hallam's ingenious Poem / call'd the COCKER page 58 As curous artists diffrent Skill disclose, The various Weapon diffrent Temper shows, Now curving Points too soft a Temper bear, And now too hard their brittleness declare; Now on the plain the trecherous Weapons lye, Now wing'd in Air the shivered Fragments fly; Surprized, chagrin'd, th'incautious Feeders gaze And Smith alone (at one) ingenious Artist praise. Also All Sorts of Watches & Clocks MADE BY Saml Toulmin AT THE Above Place"

Trade card inside lid with engraved signature at bottom: "Brooke fecit Foster Lane". Trade card also with ink inscription " Leond Spenceley / May 1774"
ProvenanceGift of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Oliver, Boston (purchased from Rupert Gentle, Milton Lilbourne, Near Pewsey, Wiltshire, 1973)
Acquired by CWF in 1973.