June 22, 2024 Brian Lebel's Santa Fe Old West Events Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/22/2024
A pair of stellar Qualey Bros. Grangeville, Idaho inside marked spurs with silver overlaid shield and dome mountings. The 1" band with central shield on one side. A 2 1/2" shank with the trademark split end holds an impressive 3" 48-point rowel. Straps with 3-piece buckle sets.
Tom Qualey (1904-1977) was born near Joseph, Idaho in 1903 and began making bits and spurs in the mid-1920s, primarily for his own use. By 1933, Tom had established himself as an accomplished maker who supplied bits and spurs to stockman, cattleman and cowboys in eastern Oregon, central Idaho and western Montana. From the early 1930s until 1937 he worked with two brothers, Knut and Nels, before dissolving the partnership in 1937. Tom was a master engraver who, according to saddle maker Ray Holes, was unequaled in his ability to do precise engraving, using only a forge, hammer, hacksaw and file.
Knut Qualey came from Norway as a blacksmith in 1900 to live in Idaho. The family homesteaded a ranch on Joseph Plains, Idaho and raised his nine children after his wife died in 1915. His sons Jens, Tom, Nels and Olaf would reshape old farm tools or wagon wheel rims into bits and spurs, with Tom being the most talented. Beginning in 1920, Tom and Nels (1903-1972) made bits and spurs in their spare time at the ranch, marking them “Qualey Bros”. In 1942, the ranch was sold and Nels stopped silver smithing, while Tom moved to Cottonwood, Idaho and built houses while also making bits and spurs.
Pictured: David R. Stoecklein, The Spur: History, Art, Culture, Function, 2003, Page 106
Provenance: Ex Ron & Linda Gillett Collection