Description:

Western Europe, England or Germany, Medieval period, ca. 1200 to 1400 CE. Two cast iron tools with pointed spikes, a spur and a caltrop. The spur is comprised of a spiked rowel held within a long shank. The slightly curved arched heel band terminates at protruding tabs with two perforated strap holes to attach to the rider's foot. The spur evolved from a singular pointed "prick" to the rowel design by the 10th century and became popular in the 14th century. Spurs became symbols of chivalry and honor for European knights, and disgraced knights would have their spurs broken off by the enemy. The caltrop is also a device intended for horses, but used as a weapon to disable the horse. This four-pointed "jack" always has one spike sticking upward no matter how it lands, and any horse unlucky enough to step on the spike would be severely injured, making these cruel devices useful in battle for slowing the enemy's mounted riders. Size of spur: 6.75" L x 3.75" W (17.1 cm x 9.5 cm); caltrop: 2.75" W x 2.5" H (7 cm x 6.4 cm)

Provenance: ex- estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA acquired before 2000

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#159844

  • Condition: Spur rowel still rotates. Age commensurate surface wear and pitting with minor losses and chips and to the rowel points. The caltrop is intact with minor surface pitting.

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November 12, 2020 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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