Prick Spur

Unknown

11th century · Iron alloy · Arms and Armor

The conical goad of this spur bears the mark IIIXII or IIXIII on one of its sides, which could be a simple decoration or a series of enigmatic symbols or Roman numerals. The prick spur was the first type of spur to be invented, and it consists of a goad or prick, more or less pointed, connected to side arms or a heel plate. Prick spurs were the main type of spurs used in the Middle Ages until the mid-14th century, when they were supplanted by rowel spurs, which appeared in Europe a century before and with which they had cohabitated for a time. As a knight’s status was closely related to his horse, spurs became one of the symbols of chivalry, and one of the tokens given to him during his knighting.

Artist

Unknown

Date

11th century

Medium

Iron alloy

Culture

German

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942