"Rowel" Spur

Cultureperhaps Italian

Datelate 1600s–1700s

Mediumsteel and iron

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 number2014.987

DescriptionSteel, perhaps once blued. For right foot. Narrow, slightly splayed U-shaped semicircular section, heel-plate, with lobated leaf-shaped flat terminals. Each has large, domed stud, outer of which has large bilobated tongued iron buckle. This has free length of iron chain, purpose unknown. Branches straight, & spirally fluted, inner with close-set file marks. Outer with 4 sets of low ribs, framed by triple narrow ribs, & the sets divided by narrow deep recessed bands. Recurved, downturned neck extends from top half of heel-plate, with decoratively cut & bevelled rowel box having lobed terminals. Flat rowel of 12 triangular 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.ProvenanceGeorge L. Maxwell purchased by John W. Higgins on November 28, 1928 from Anderson Galleries (NY), lot 172. Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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