Pair of Rowel Spurs

17th century

Not on view

The neck of each of these spurs is shaped as a bird’s body and head. All of the surface, buckles included, is decorated with foliage scrolls using blauätzung (blue etching). This technique consist of completely blueing the surface of the metal by heating it up to a certain temperature, and then etching out the background so the blue motifs would stand out against the white iron. Unfortunately the blueing has turned black with time. Their exceptional proportions indicate they would have been used on large cavalry boots.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Pair of Rowel Spurs
Date: 17th century
Culture: German or Spanish
Medium: Iron alloy
Dimensions: Spur (a); L. 10 1/4 in. (26 cm); W. 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm); Diam. of rowel 2 3/8 in. (6 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 8.8 oz. (703.1 g); spur (b); L. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm); W. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm); Diam. of rowel 2 3/8 in. (6 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 10.4 oz. (748.4 g)
Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Spurs
Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
Object Number: 14.25.1739a, b
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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