"Rowel" Spur

Cultureprobably Colonial Mexican

Date1800s

Mediumiron with copper and/or copper alloys

Dimensions7.5 × 14 cm (2 15/16 × 5 1/2 in.), 4 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.997

DescriptionDark iron, with brass and/or copper (?). For left foot. Narrow, U-shaped heel-plate of flat rectangular section, the straight branches with flattened oblong, twice-slotted engraved terminals. Lower of each has a roller & upper a hinged domed stud for lost straps. Plate is transversely inlaid with brass &/or copper strip engraved with undulating lines or leaved undulating tendrils, with curved projection above & below neck. Latter of rectangular section, necked at base, with long, downcurved engraved rowel box having large, flattened-lobe terminal. Large rowel of 24 long, quadrangular points & secured by decorative rivet with scent stopper-shaped head.
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.ProvenanceGeorge L. Maxwell collection Purchased by John W. Higgins on November 28, 1928 from Anderson Galleries (NY), lot no. 4. Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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