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Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)

ca. 1570–80
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 371
The fine quality of the hammer-work, the elegant form, and the decorative washers and plume-holder of brass are stylistic features pointing to an Augsburg origin. The shaffron probably was made to accompany a plain tournament armor of polished steel like one also in the Metropolitan Museum's collection (acc. nos. 29.154.1 and 14.25.689).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)
  • Date: ca. 1570–80
  • Geography: Augsburg
  • Culture: German, Augsburg
  • Medium: Steel, copper alloy, gold, leather
  • Dimensions: H. 22 3/4 in. (57.8 cm); W. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm); Wt. 3 lb. 14 oz. (1767 g)
  • Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Shaffrons
  • Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
  • Object Number: 14.25.1647
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense), Steel, leather, brass, German, Augsburg
Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)
German, Augsburg
ca. 1580
Portions of a Costume Armor, Kolman Helmschmid German, Steel, copper alloy, gold, German, Augsburg
Portions of a Costume Armor
Kolman Helmschmid
ca. 1525
Shield for the Field or Tournament (Targe), Wood, leather, linen, gesso, pigments, silver, German
Shield for the Field or Tournament (Targe)
German
ca. 1450
Gauntlet for the Left Hand, Jörg Sigman German, Steel, gold, copper alloy, leather, German, Augsburg
Gauntlet for the Left Hand
Jörg Sigman
ca. 1557
Foot-Combat Armor of Prince-Elector Christian I of Saxony (reigned 1586–91), Anton Peffenhauser German, Steel, gold, leather, copper alloy, German, Augsburg

Foot-Combat Armor of Prince-Elector Christian I of Saxony (reigned 1586–91)

Anton Peffenhauser
Jörg Sorg the Younger
1591

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