You might say Greer Kothmann is “spurred on” by his love of cowboys and Indians. Years of extensive research, attending shows and learning from and networking with other collectors has led Kothmann to become well-known in his own right as an authority on special types of spurs, bits and arrowheads.

Kothmann is a native of Kimble county. Pick up any phone book in towns for miles around and you’ll see that name again and again; it’s one of the oldest pioneer family names in the area.

Having always been keen on western history and particularly that of Kimble county and the surrounding area, Kothmann’s spur collecting began in the 1980s when he bought a saddle from a neighbor. “He asked me if I wanted his Daddy’s old spurs too, and I was glad to take them.” Throughout a life of collecting and salvaging “trash and treasures”, perhaps the most cherished articles are those that have belonged to families he’s known personally. Indeed, Kothmann has such a reputation as a custodian of local history, that people often give him pictures, documents and other important pieces of their past, knowing he’ll display them proudly and share his knowledge with others.

Since that first set of spurs, Kothmann now has obtained about 50 pairs. One of the best collections in the Southwest, these prized and much sought-after spurs are housed in showcases at Junction National Bank.

Although his collections contain spurs by several well-known spur makers, including a pair of children’s spurs by Petmecky, Kothmann’s favorite maker is Jess Hodge. Kothmann owns 18 pairs of spurs by this Ft. McKavett artisan, who died in 1953. I asked Kothmann about the original cost of spurs: “In the early 1900s, a cowboy could buy a set of Hodge spurs for maybe $3-5. Now, it is not uncommon for an authentic set of spurs made by a collectible maker, in good condition, to sell for $5,000-10,000,” he said.

Ultimately, his cumulative knowledge ...

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