"Rowel" Spur

Culture Mexican

Date1800s

Mediumiron

Dimensions9 × 20 cm (3 9/16 × 7 7/8 in.), 10 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.992

DescriptionHeavy iron, probably for right foot. U-shaped heel-plate, swollen at neck, & of circular section in branches that are level to large, flattened pointed terminals. These each have slot with strap ring hook below (inner face 1 working-life replacement) & are bracket-cut above, with large, domed studs (outer face 1 cross-hatched) for straps. Outer branch cabled, & inner has 4 sets of 3 each spiralled lines. Neck has stout, balustered base, & decoratively cut, downcurving rowel box with flattened, lobated terminals. Large rowel of 24, chisel-shaped points emanating from large, solid disk.
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 30, 1928 from Anderson Galleries (NY), lot 207. Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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