"Rowel" Spur
Culture
European
Datelate 1800s–early 1900s
Mediumsteel
Dimensions9 × 13 cm (3 9/16 × 5 1/8 in.), 2 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.986.2
DescriptionMate toWAM 2014.986.1, to which it is identical in all respects. Steel. Narrow, U-shaped heel-plate of slightly hollow-ground semicircular section, the straight branches with lobed terminals. These fitted with large, domed studs, outer with hinged, oblong, tongued steel buckle. Oval section, short neck with downcurved rowel box having oblated swollen terminals. Small rowel, with 23 dentated points barely extending beyond rowel box.Label TextThe rowel spur, with its rotating star-shaped disk, was a medieval invention that first appeared in the 1200s. By the Renaissance it had become the standard form, and was exported to the Americas by European colonists.ProvenanceArchduke Eugen's Armory, Fortress Hohenwerfen, Salzburg, Austria purchased by John W. Higgins on March 7, 1927 from Anderson Galleries (NY); their no. 1189. Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on viewCollections
1700s
