The "Spur bone" Motto.... a study.

[GriffMJ]

Hi All

Below are examples of the Officers OSD and Other Ranks White Metal, I have also included a photo (circa 1920) of an Officer wearing this type of Motto in what appears to be a Silver version.

The other Ranks white metal is a very thin light weight Motto, I have one with a 1/8th thick crimped and tapered slider ..... and one with a 1mm thick straight slider. Both badges are approx H = 37mm x W = 46mm. So this motto is considerably smaller in height to the average.

I dont own the OSD versions, but I am sure they are the same size and possibly a heavier weight in the hand. Note the high level of detail in the OSD Motto.

I am "rubbing my chin" on the Other Ranks Motto...... I am not sure that it isnt an "economy" type of Motto produced immediatley after the Great war? It is a very light weight Motto and I am not sure it would stand up to the rigours of daily cleaning by the Lancers? Both my examples show the same "look" of polishing wear and general characteristics but have two different sliders attached with yellow braise.

[Luke H]

Recently added the below ‘spur bone’ motto, dubbed Spur Bone 1 on Griff’s site…

https://www.paoyeomanry.org.uk/Motto/SpurBone1.htm

Interestingly it has tarnished black like silver plate but has E-W copper loops within the skull annealed by a silver coloured braze - all which look to my eyes to be original.

I am debating how best to clean least intrusively in knowledge silver dip and copper do not get on well.

[manchesters]

Luke,

just brush the front gently with the silver dip instead of immersing it.

I do that to preserve the years of patina on the rear and not get shiny loops.

best wishes

[Skippy]

Soap and water with a medium bristle tooth brush, then nail polish remover on cotton buds for any stubborn dirt / verdigris, followed by another go with soap and water works well for cleaning without removal of patina.

Cheers……John

[wardog]

I've never understood the Spur Bone description. Regards, Paul.

[cbuehler]

A very nice example Luke. I too am perplexed by the patina, which is does not indicate WM. After giving it a clean, I would not be surprised if it turns out to be silver.

CB

[Luke H]

Thanks all - that’s a very good idea Simon I’ll give that a go.

Paul - suspect it’s just a term to help distinguish motto dies. Its bone ends are somewhat more knobbly than most others, a case of bone spurs (perhaps?) = ‘spur bone’.

[mac mcconnell]

Think i have a nice OSD and a couple of types of spare bone will dig them out.

Mac