This is an excavated "Brandy Station" style spur recovered in Raymond, Mississippi. These are referred to as Brandy Station spurs because of the large numbers of this style spur being recovered on the Brandy Station battlefield. In 1863 the largest Cavalry battle in the United States took place here. This cast brass spur has a flat body and a cylindrical neck. The portion of the arm between the strap plate and neck is narrower than a standard Richmond spur. The strap plates have beveled corners, differing from the Richmond spur. The original 12 point iron rowel is still on the neck, but is rusted tight on the pin. Two of the rowel points are broken off. It is believed that these spurs were manufactured in Richmond, Virginia. The book "Confederate, US and other Civil War Used Spurs" by Bob Baird shows a good example of this type spur, also known as the "Mississippi" spur on page 30. This spur is in magnificent condition considering it was excavated! The body of the spur is straight, no twists or bends. The neck is straight and still retains the rowel. The only way it could be better was if it was still strapped onto the trooper it belonged to! The deep chocolate patina of the brass attests to how long this one was in the ground! If you have a spur collection, this one belongs in it!