Shaffron (horse's head armor)

Culture Southern German , Augsburg

Dateabout 1560

Mediumetched and gilded steel, brass, leather

Dimensions61 × 27.9 × 21.6 cm (24 × 11 × 8 1/2 in.), 3 lb, 14 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsAugsburg pinecone (Stadtpyr) stamped between ears to R of center.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.10.1.1

DescriptionComposed of upper and lower faceplates, poll plate, 2 ear plates, and 2 cheek plates (these last were formerly HAM 1992.01.1.a & b). Etched and gilded bands of arabesque decoration bordered by heavy plain lines, with "chain" motif etched band around the perimeter and roped edges. Roping also at medial ridge of swelling over the horse's nose. Lining rivets around the perimeter with some traces of lining leathers. Floral grommets of brass, perhaps once gilt, at cheeks and poll, all perhaps once for securing to the bridle. Hole for escutcheon plate between eye-recesses, apparently a later addition. 4 holes between ears also modern, perhaps for mounting, and 6 holes below these may have been for a later added plume holder; the two holes flanking these last are even more recent. Modern strap at nose.

CHEEK PIECES:
Steel. Right segment for shaffron. Straight-cut top edge with 3 rivets for attaching to top head section of shaffron. Slightly hourglass-shaped with slightly flattened lower edge. Turned & roped edge bordered by 9 brass-capped rivets within panel etched with chain motif. Traces of gilding. Medial panel etched with elongated trilobated openwork with diamond motif at center, all on stippled ground; also with traces of gilt. At bottom of this panel are 4 holes forming a square, lower 2 with rosette washers. Inside are sections of leather between border rivets & red textile-covered leather loop at center lower edge.

Steel. Left segment for shaffron. Straight-cut top edge with 3 rivets for attaching to top head section of shaffron. Slightly hourglass-shaped with slightly flattened lower edge. Turned & roped edge bordered by 9 brass-capped rivets within panel etched with chain motif. Traces of gilding. Medial panel etched with elongated trilobated openwork with diamond motif at center, all on stippled ground; also with traces of gilt. At bottom of this panel are 4 holes with rosette washers forming a square. Inside are sections of leather between border rivets & red textile-covered leather loop at center lower edge.
Label TextBy the 1500s, it had become fashionable for horses and riders to wear matching armors. This etched and gilded shaffron is decorated in the characteristic strapwork style of the German city of Augsburg, one of the most important centers for high-end armormaking. It was once part of a coordinated ensemble of similarly decorated plate armor for the saddle and for the horseman who rode in it.ProvenanceEdmund C. Converse, Greenwich CT Purchased by John W. Higgins on November 26, 1927 from Edmund C. Converse estate sale at American Art Association (NYC), lot #294. Price paid for man and horse armor was $4,300. Given to the Museum on March 21, 1928. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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