Spur

Culture German

Dateearly 1600s

Mediumiron

Dimensions9 × 14 cm (3 9/16 × 5 1/2 in.), 2 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.996

DescriptionDark iron. Slightly splayed, "U"-shaped heel plate with hinged branches. Plate is of flattened, semi-circular section, having narrow rib following top edge, & well-cabled at basal edge. Hinged branches are of deep "U"-shape, with squared, slotted terminals. There are no provisions for attached buckles. Curve of branches is cut & punched with guilloche within framing lines & notches, & scalloped lobes. Short neck is balustered, of octagonal section, & curves down to lobated terminals. Two-thirds of its length form rowel box. Rowel of 8 (one broken) elliptical sections, acute points.
Label TextAs the medieval knight transformed into the Renaissance gentleman, his equipment transformed with him. By the 1600s, armored horsemen wore boots instead of armor on their lower legs, and their spurs became increasingly elaborate fashion statements.ProvenanceCollection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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