US Officer's "Christmas" Spur Marked "PATENTED DEC 24, 1861."
SOLD
This excavated US officer's "Christmas" spur is in very good condition and is distinguished with its cast-in surface stippling, longitudinal ribs and grooves, and patent stamp. On the interior of one arm, situated between the strap plate and neck, is the stamping of "PATENTED DECEMBER 24, 1861" and therefore referred to by collectors and relic hunters as "The Christmas Spur". The stamping is light with some of the letters and numbers difficult to see, however the mark is definitely there with most of it visible (see all images). Constructed of cast brass which has a pleasing light green patina. There is minor arm bending and its iron rowel is missing. A cast-in foliate design is found at the neck. It measures approximately 2-5/8 x 5 inches. There are no cracks, breaks, or repairs.
Recovered: Gettysburg, PA South of artillery ridge campground.
Reference: Images and descriptions of other Christmas spurs are found in the following periodical and reference books:
- North South Trader's Civil War article "December 24, 1861 Patent Spur Identification", by Stephen M. Henry, Vol. XXVII, No. 4, Page 20.
- "Historic American Spurs" by Howard Crouch, page 39, item US 14.
- "Civil War Artifacts" by Howard Crouch, page 121, item 5.
See the above pages in the additional images or by clicking on the NST article link.
I am confident that when this spur was recovered, it most definitely felt like Christmas day! It will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War cavalry or general relic collection.
- Product Code:
- PC10450
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