Rowel Spur
This is a branchless spur that could be attached directly at the back on a regular shoe, for occasional and casual riding. A screw passing through the base of the neck (missing), was used for tightening it to the shoe’s leather.
This type of spur, particularly popular in the Germanic lands, is described in the entry Eperon in the Swiss Encyclopédie d'Yverdon published in 1772 by Fortuné Barthélemy de Félice. It is said that "these spurs not being maintained by any kind of tie, they can be lost very easily [...]. We leave them to doctors, barbers, village priests, and monks. They are known in some countries and by some spur-makers by the name 'Carthusian spurs' (éperons à la chartreuse)."
This type of spur, particularly popular in the Germanic lands, is described in the entry Eperon in the Swiss Encyclopédie d'Yverdon published in 1772 by Fortuné Barthélemy de Félice. It is said that "these spurs not being maintained by any kind of tie, they can be lost very easily [...]. We leave them to doctors, barbers, village priests, and monks. They are known in some countries and by some spur-makers by the name 'Carthusian spurs' (éperons à la chartreuse)."
Artwork Details
- Title: Rowel Spur
- Date: 18th century
- Culture: probably German
- Medium: Iron alloy
- Dimensions: L. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm); W. 2 in. (5.1 cm); Diam. of rowel 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm); Wt. 2.4 oz. (67.5 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Spurs
- Credit Line: Gift of Bashford Dean, 1923
- Object Number: 23.192.22
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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probably German
ca. 1400–1430
German, probably Nuremberg
ca. 1500
Kunz Lochner
dated 1549
Kolman Helmschmid
ca. 1525
South German
ca. 1500 and 19th century
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