Western spur (not authenticated)

This item is a single Western-style boot spur featuring elaborate engraved metalwork and small red stone accents, resting on a white shearling background. The physical construction includes a curved heel band, a shank, and a rotating rowel with a central rounded cap at the end. The metal displays a dark, aged patina in the recessed areas with contrasting bright, polished highlights along the raised, hand-chased floral and scroll motifs. Notable features include intricate engraved foliate patterns covering the outer surface of the heel band and shank, interspersed with small flush-set red stones resembling rubies placed centrally within floral elements. Visible condition issues include surface tarnish, oxidation, and general wear consistent with age and use, though structural integrity appears intact from this angle. No maker's marks, hallmarks, or signatures are clearly visible in this photograph. The style is consistent with traditional Western cowboy gear, potentially exhibiting characteristics of vintage vaquero or bit-and-spur maker craftsmanship, though age and exact material composition remain unverified. The owner supplies context stating that these are silver spurs with rubies, an unverified claim that has not been authenticated. The identification rests primarily on the visual form of the spur and decorative metalwork rather than any legible stamps.

Based on what I can see in the photograph, this item is a Western-style boot spur featuring intricate floral and scroll engravings along the heel band and shank, accented with small flush-set red stones. Per user submission, the piece is identified as a CM silver spur with rubies. I cannot ascertain the exact metal composition, gemstone material, or maker from a photograph alone. Physical inspection and professional testing would be needed to determine if the metal is solid sterling silver and if the red stones are natural rubies rather than synthetic glass or paste. The piece exhibits a dark patina and wear consistent with age, which is highly desirable in Western memorabilia. If the user's attribution is accurate and this is a solid silver spur with natural rubies by a notable maker, comparable single spurs typically sell in the $300 to $600 range on the secondary market. A complete, matching pair would command a significantly higher premium. However, this estimate relies entirely on the unauthenticated claims. If the spur is determined to be silver-plated base metal with glass stones or a mass-produced piece in the style of vintage vaquero gear, the value would drop to the $50 to $100 range. To establish a more precise value, I strongly recommend taking the piece to a specialized jeweler or Western Americana expert for in-person material testing and to search for any obscured hallmarks under magnification.