Lance for "Tilting at the Ring"

Dateabout 1839

Mediumwood, iron

Dimensions231.1 × 9 cm (91 × 3 9/16 in.), 5 lb, 4 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsThere is a small, glued paper label bearing a black ink, five-digit number (illegible) and the letters "AM." Below the script is FENTON & SONS,/11, NEW OXFORD ST.,/LONDON in type face.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.263

DescriptionOak (?) shaft, of circular section, & once stained dark brown. Long hand grip at about 2/3 of length, tapered in front and straight in back; to front & rear of this, shaft is swollen baluster-like. Front part tapers acutely to end where fitted with a long, iron, conical tip rounded at point. Near base of head there is necked moulding, below which is cylindrical ferrule band of iron. To rear of hand-grip, lance has stout, tapered butt end carved as oblate spheroid knop. This is longitudinally recessed at end, & fitted with an inserted, wooden round block that seems to have once held a spiked finial.
Label TextThis is one of the so-called "arms of courtesy" used in the jousts held at the Eglinton Tournament in 1839. The Eglinton Tournament also featured tests of equestrian skill such as "tilting at the ring," in which the rider attempted to catch a small, suspended ring on the end of a thin lance. The design may have been influenced by contemporary lances used by military lancers.ProvenanceSaid to have been used at the Eglinton tournament, 1839; Fenton and Sons, Ltd (London). Purchased by John W. Higgins on 27 April 1930 from Fenton & Sons, Ltd. (London). Given to the Armory on 1 July 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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