Rowel Spur (Left)

Unknown

second half 16th century · Iron alloy, copper · Arms and Armor

This impressive spur is part of a group of oversized and lavishly decorated German spurs made in the second half of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th century, probably in Saxony. This example displays a large and extravagant eight-pointed rowel, each of the points holding a small rowel itself. Some types of spurs with several rowels were used in the 17th century with particularly difficult horses. However, on this spur it seems to be more an ornamental luxurious feature, for a pair worn like a piece of jewelry, rather than a truly equestrian improvement. Such examples of multi-rowel spurs are known in Germany since the mid-16th century. The impracticality of these spurs indicate that they were probably only used during parade and festive events, as a display of wealth and status. The width of the branches suggests they were worn over large cavalry boots.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 16th century

Medium

Iron alloy, copper

Culture

German

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942