"Rowel" Spur
Culture
Italian
Date1600–1650
Mediumsteel with modern leather
Dimensions14 × 9 cm (5 1/2 × 3 9/16 in.)
6 oz (weight)
6 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.979.1
DescriptionSteel, with modern chrome leather. For left foot. Consists of "U"-shaped heel-plate whose rounded terminals are fitted with floral studs (restored ?) for leathers & shank of tongued buckle on outer branch. Exterior of heel-plate carved with reliefs of horsemen in combat. Short, angled neck carved with grotesque beast & horsemen, having rowel box for 6-pointed rowel. This is pierced with shield-shaped perforations, producing near-fleur-de-lis effect at each point.Decoration is essentially identical on each branch, and on both spurs.
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.ProvenanceCollection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
1800s
1700s
1800s
