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 is of Catalan origin. Its black-and-gold checkered decoration is derived from the armorial device of the counts of Urgell.
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