ANTIQUE COWBOY CUFFS – Hand Tooled Leather Western Apparel - Early 1900’s: Wrist Protection from fashion Kicking Horses & Steers and Ranch Injuries.
ANTIQUE COWBOY CUFFS – Hand Tooled Leather Western Apparel - Early 1900's: Cowpuncher Wrist Protection from Kicking Horses and Steers, Barb Wire and Ranching Injuries.
Although fancy studded cuffs became a “fashion statement” in the late 1900's, they were a VERY valuable part of a working cowboy's gear starting in the late 1800's. Having spent time on working ranches and with working cowboys I assure you that they are very conscious of protective gear. From their personal saddle to their cowboy boots, a hard working cowboy will spend hard earned money on proper gear. Boots are resoled and their cost, which might be a month's wages or more, is more than made up for with boots that are comfortable and protect his feet and ankles from weather and injuries. Of course, if you are spending all day long in the saddle it better be the right size for you and the right type of saddle for the job you are doing. (It also better fit the horse properly …a poorly fitting saddle will rub a horse's withers raw, leaving him unusable.)
Regarding the important leather cuffs that cowboys wore …well, my kids say I should start up a new trend and wear them myself. I am constantly banging my wrists as I train my dogs. Cowboys riding the range were not wearing them for show, I guarantee.
This pair was beautifully made and I believe that they are from the early 1900's and not later than the 1940's. There is no name stamped on them and the one snap has no embossing. Determination of age is by the condition of the leather and by the way they were made.
They are VERY STIFF which is, of course, what was wanted. These definitely would have, and still would protect the wrist.
Please check my photos carefully for condition. I have added arrows and descriptions to some photos to point out “problems.” Remember, these are at least 80 years old and were used outdoors on the range….they SHOULD show wear. Most notable is the tear in the leather on one cuff by the lacing and the tears around the wrist areas of both. Of course this area would have received the harshest usage by the cowboy.
I have not used any leather cleaner or oil on these….up to you to decide whether or not to clean them up.
The cuffs are mostly HAND TOOLED…the flowers are not “stamped” like the background and edges.
These are an exact pair with the exception of wear. They each measure 7 inches in length. The large oval end is 5 in X 3 3/8 inches. The smaller oval, wrist end, is 3 1/4 inches X 2 fashion 1/8 inches. Each cuff weighs 6 ounces.
Price is $125.00. Shipping will be $17.00.
I gladly refund any shipping charges that exceed the postage and money spent on boxes and packing materials. Purchases will be shipped within 3 working days. Of course, I will combine orders to create larger refunds so:
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