Visalia Spurs with John Koster, San Francisco History
Unmarked but distinctly pictured in the early Visalia Stock Saddle Co catalogs as pattern No 78, these important double-mounted Northern California spurs with 2", 16-point spoke rowels feature cutout floral patterns on the heelbands and four coin silver spots surrounding a larger central engraved dome. The original floral carved two piece leathers are adorned with large domed scalloped silver conchos and a raised letter "K" for the original owner John Koster. Spurs are 100% original and in overall good condition, circa 1910.
John A. Koster was a Captain in the California National Guard and Secretary of the California Barrel Company who served in the California National Guard while dynamiting buildings in the path of the conflagration that followed the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Koster later served an important role as Brigadier General in that "City by the Bay" after the devastating fire that followed the big quake. He subsequently aided local authorities in clearing rubble, preserving order and assisting in relief work while sacrificing his personal safety to assist fellow citizens of that stricken city.
Featured: 2004 PBS Antiques Roadshow, Reno, Nevada, Bruce Shackleford, Appraiser; and 2018 Roadshow Update.
Lot 298, Sold $10,030
Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 26th, 2021, Santa Fe, NM.
