Gilt spurs were a sign of status that distinguished knights from other riders. Horsemen of lesser rank, such as sergeants or men-at-arms, were permitted only iron or brass spurs. Squires, as knights in training, had the right to wear silvered spurs.Early spurs had simple prongs. These prick spurs could easily injure a horse, and by the fourteenth century the much safer rowel spur came into general use. The rowel spur seen here may be of Catalan origin. Its black-and-gold checkered decoration is possibly derived from the armorial device of the counts of Urgell.
