Hussar Rowel Spur (Left)

Unknown

ca. 1520 · Iron alloy, tin, copper · Arms and Armor

This kind of spur, with long and broad necks and wide heel plates, inspired from late Medieval examples, is typical of those used by Hussars in the 16th and early 17th century. They were also frequently used at the Viennese court during the so-called ‘Hungarian tournaments,’ where participants would dress and arm themselves as Hussards. This example, very light and with a particularly wide heelplate and neck, is more impressive than practical. It might have been used for a tournament, a parade or another festivity.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1520

Medium

Iron alloy, tin, copper

Culture

Hungarian

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Bashford Dean, 1923