Pair of Stirrups

Unknown

dated 1694 · Iron alloy · Arms and Armor

When hanged together, these stirrups display on one side of their footplate rims, in Latin, the name of their original owner, Jacob Helt, as well as their manufacture year 1694. Heraldic griffins, a common decorative motif on German equestrian material since the 16th century, adorn the top of the footplates. Its pierced decoration is typical of the production of southeast Germany and Saxony in the 16th and 17th centuries. Two holes drilled on each side of the branches indicate that they were originally very likely enriched with pierced decorated plaques, probably made of another metal, screwed over the rather rough vegetal scrolls, creating a double-layer effect.

Artist

Unknown

Date

dated 1694

Medium

Iron alloy

Culture

German, possibly Saxony

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942