Pair of Stirrups

Unknown

17th century · Iron, copper alloy, leather · Arms and Armor

The large size of these stirrups is unusual for the period. They may have been used by a postilion, a driver riding one of the carriage horses. However stirrups for this purpose typically had simpler designs. Indeed, to prevent their legs being crushed between the two horses or the central wooden shaft, postilion riders wore heavy oversized reinforced boots, and they consequently needed larger spurs and stirrups. The small leather cushions are also unusual, and may be later additions.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Iron, copper alloy, leather

Culture

German

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913