Images(4)

Pair of Cockspurs

Date1770

Retailed by Samuel Toulmin

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver; leather; thread

DimensionsSpurs, OL: 1 3/16"-2 5/16" Thongs, OL: 2 3/16"-2 11/16"

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Oliver

Object number1973-64,4A&B

DescriptionPair of silver cockspurs are part of a set of twelve cockspurs with a shagreen case. Each curved, silver spur is sewn to leather thongs that have oval openings (which fit over natural spur?).
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."
MarkingsEleven spurs in this set are marked "TS" and one is marked "IM"
ProvenanceGift of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Oliver, Boston (purchased from Rupert Gentle, Milton Lilbourne, Near Pewsey, Wiltshire, 1973)
Acquired by CWF in 1973.