I bought a wooden box with a few insulators in it at an auction at the beginning of the year. I think I paid $5 for it. There was a pair of rusty spurs in the box also. Now, not surprising, there are collectible spurs, just like collectible insulators.

Even though they were covered with rust, I thought I could see a name stamped in the metal. After we soaked one in a rust remover, I could see the name better and figured out it was a collectible maker, but couldn't see any pattern on them. My husband buffed it on a wheel, and then we could see a faint pattern. I did some further cleaning with Barkeeper's Friend.

I sent the picture to a web site that said they would appraise spurs. I got a curt response from the person saying they were from the 1930's and worth about $150 in their current condition. I guess ones in good condition sell for upwards of $1000 depending on the design and maker.

I would like to figure out if I can polish the steel at all without completely removing the faint engraving. If anyone has any suggestions, please contact me.