Rowel Spur
early 15th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
At a time when people travelled long distances on horseback, spurs were an important and necessary accessory. They were designed to fit round the heel of a boot and were held by a strap and buckle which passed over the foot. The manufacture of spurs was a specialist craft, the makers being known as 'spurriers'.
This type, with revolving spiked wheels that pressed into the flanks of the horse, was known as a rowel spur. It was first developed in the late Middle Ages. Some rowel spurs are elaborate showpieces with more than a dozen revolving spiked wheels.
This type, with revolving spiked wheels that pressed into the flanks of the horse, was known as a rowel spur. It was first developed in the late Middle Ages. Some rowel spurs are elaborate showpieces with more than a dozen revolving spiked wheels.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Wrought iron |
| Brief description | Wrought iron, Europe, early 15th century |
| Physical description | Wrought iron rowel spur with long neck, with rowel of 8 points, pointed heel-plate, with sharply curved sides |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by Major Victor Alexander Farquharson |
| Summary | At a time when people travelled long distances on horseback, spurs were an important and necessary accessory. They were designed to fit round the heel of a boot and were held by a strap and buckle which passed over the foot. The manufacture of spurs was a specialist craft, the makers being known as 'spurriers'. This type, with revolving spiked wheels that pressed into the flanks of the horse, was known as a rowel spur. It was first developed in the late Middle Ages. Some rowel spurs are elaborate showpieces with more than a dozen revolving spiked wheels. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.762-1927 |
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| Record created | April 19, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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