Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)

Unknown

ca. 1515–20 · Steel · Arms and Armor

This shaffron is noteworthy not only for its large size but also for the unusual sculptural quality imparted by the boldly roped double ridges and the boss on the forehead. The fluted surfaces increased the rigidity of the plate but also served to lighten the shaffron's massive form. This piece of armor exemplifies the distinctive new fashion for fluted armor that developed in Germany in the early sixteenth century and remained popular until about 1530.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1515–20

Medium

Steel

Culture

German, probably Nuremberg

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913