The people who made Cowboy Spurs also wanted to make sure that people knew who they were made by. They did this by stamping their company mark, name or logo in to the metal of each of the spurs they made. Marking your work with your name or company name is found in all manner of antiques.

It is possible that each set of spurs was made differently and therefore the maker would need to keep track of those he had sold and to whom. Some spurs were even branded with an individual serial number or a patent number that had been awarded to the maker in question.

Custom spurs were made to order for each wearer and therefore they come in many shapes, sizes, widths and lengths. Knowing which spurs were made by your company is more important in this situation. The markings also allow modern day collectors to identify and value each set of spurs.

Marking the spurs with the makers name or initials was the most common way for them to be branded. The name of the maker, such as CROCKETT, CR or RENALDE would be stamped into the metal by hand, often along the inside of the heel band.

Other companies opted for images as their brand mark. One such company is the North and Judd spur making company who use the sign of an anchor as their brand mark. Unlike the initials or name of the maker, this is displayed prominently on the outside of the spur and has now become a popular mark for collectors of such items.

Not too long ago, when someone went into a boot shop there were a very small selection of boots to choose from. However, now there are a large variety of boots available. Each one of these boots are different and have a certain look and purpose.

The standard cowboy boot that comes to mind has a 1.5 inch heel. It also usually has a pointed tow with a shaft the measures 13 inches tall. Most of these boots have stitching on the toe otherwise known as the toe bug. These cowboys are the most basic and have been worn for decades.

Another boot that is closely related to the basic cowboy boot is the dress boot. These have the look and feel of the basic cowboy boot, except that expensive and exotic leathers are used to make the boot like alligator, ostrich, and lizard. The are made very similarly to the good old cowboy boot and have the same features except that they are made from exotic and expensive hides.

The Roper boot is used primarily by ropers, hence the name. These boots have a 1 inch heel, a rounded toe, and a shaft that is about 11 inches.

The Stockman takes features from both the Basic Cowboy Boot and the Roper Boot. The heel is 1 inch to 11/8 inch tall, and it has a rounded toe. Also the shaft is about 11-12 inches tall. However, the Stockman has a welt on the sole that gives a different feel.

The Buckaroo has heels up to 3 inches, round toes, with pull holes, mule ears, or pull straps at the top of the shaft. These boots are usually taller, starting at 13 and going up to 18 inches tall. These are usually worn by those who need good leg protection and a good heel to ride in.

Roughstock boots have heels around 2 inches, can have round or square toes, have tough heel counters for durability, and usually have leather soles. They are around 12 inches tall. These boots are made for riding bulls and broncs, or anyone who likes that look.

Fashion boots are in a class of their own. There are no rules these days for these boots, for they are as varied as the people on this planet. High, narrow heels are usually prominent, being 3-4 inches tall, but there are other styles that use designs and colors to set them apart from their competitors. In the western world, bling has come with hurricane force to stick to anything it can. Boots are no exception to this. Silver dots, brass dots, hair on hides, camo, and bling can be found almost anywhere.

Mules are similar to Fashion Boots by having many colors and styles. However, one of the unique features of Mules are they do not have shafts or heels. With jeans or long pants Mules look like regular cowboy boots. Because of this many women chose Mules for the look and comfort. In the end boots are boots, but by looking at someones boots you can get a good idea of how they see the world and who they think the world sees them them. Boots are a must, and cowboy boots are a given.

Ride on, for a West is still out there to be won.