Transverse "Rowel" Spur
Culture
European
Datelate 1700s–early 1800s
Mediumiron
Dimensions9.5 × 14 cm (3 3/4 × 5 1/2 in.), 2 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.988
DescriptionDark, plain iron. U-shaped heel-plate of flattened, semicircular section, the straight branches tapering slightly to lobated terminals with domed studs for straps (lost). Downturned, recurving neck is of circular section with unusual transverse rowel-box. This is horizontally split, with pointed ends. Rowel of 14, petal-like points is backed with free, iron disk, & both rotate independently in the horizontal plane.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. This unusual example has a horizontal rowel.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.
On View
Not on view
1700s
