"Rowel" Spur for a Postilion Boot
Cultureperhaps
Italian
Date1700s
Mediumiron
Dimensions17 × 22 cm (6 11/16 × 8 11/16 in.), 8 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.989
DescriptionRough-finished iron, formerly black from the hammer, now russet. Very large, wide heel plate of U-shape, straight branches of flattened rectangular section, & slightly tapering to upturned, lobed terminals. Second lobe is on basal edge of each branch, to rear of terminal. Upwardly recurving neck of oblong section, with bevelled edges & lobated terminals of rowel box. Large rowel of 17 triangular points, their edges bevelled.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 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
1800s
1700s
