Pair of Rowel Spurs

Unknown

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

This pair of spurs is an ironwork masterpiece. They are entirely adorned with geometrical and vegetal chiseled and pierced decoration, giving them a rich and sculptural aspect. They were certainly worn and kept as pieces of jewelry as much as being used as practical equestrian objects. This type of chiseled and pierced decoration was used by the spur makers in eastern Germany in the 16th and 17th centuries. Despite their name, spur makers not only made spurs, but also all the small equestrian hardware like bits, stirrups, muzzles, cavessons or curry-combs, sometimes adorned with the same intricate decoration.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 16th century

Medium

Iron alloy, tin

Culture

German

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913