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Doe And Hope
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+44 7729 213013
Pair of 17th C English Steel Rowel Spurs
The spurs crafted from English steel, the style of the band around the heel is straight and the presence of the button on the terminals indicate that these spurs date to somewhere within the mid to late 17th century. The steel is attractively, yet subtly banded into two segments on each of the four arms terminating on the heel into a final raised segment indicating that the spurrier was a skilled craftsman.
The protective tinning is largely intact and the terminal and terminal plates are in surprisingly good order. The arms are particularly straight on these examples, used to make a horse respond better in battle and the conservative and understated English style of these spurs terminate in six point rowels.
Being a matching pair these spurs represent a very rare find indeed and were perhaps used by a Cromwellian officer during the dissolution of the monasteries. They provide us with a fascinating insight into 17th century life on horseback and thus help paint a picture of skirmishes, seedy taverns, warfare, disease and political gain at a time of real change in England.
The very old word Spur derives from the Anglo-Saxon spura, spora, related to spornan, spurnan, to kick. The spur was used by the Celts in the 5th century BC, and iron or bronze spurs were also used throughout the Roman Empire.
In northern Europe, the spur became less elaborate after the 16th century, as seen in in this pair, particularly following the Stuart Restoration. In England, the rowel spur is shown upon the first seal of Henry III and on monuments of the 13th century, but it does not come into general use until the 14th century.
Just as a medieval knight was said to have "earned his spurs", the awarding of spurs has continued in the modern era as an honour bestowed upon individuals in organisations with a rich military heritage.
SellerDoe And Hope
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Doe And Hope
Private dealer, By appointment only
The Onion Barn, Shoe Cottage,
15 High Street, Blunham,
Bedfordshire, MK44 3NL.
MK44 3NL
Tel : 07729 213013
Non UK callers : +44 7729 213013
Get directions to Doe And Hope
The protective tinning is largely intact and the terminal and terminal plates are in surprisingly good order. The arms are particularly straight on these examples, used to make a horse respond better in battle and the conservative and understated English style of these spurs terminate in six point rowels.
Being a matching pair these spurs represent a very rare find indeed and were perhaps used by a Cromwellian officer during the dissolution of the monasteries. They provide us with a fascinating insight into 17th century life on horseback and thus help paint a picture of skirmishes, seedy taverns, warfare, disease and political gain at a time of real change in England.
The very old word Spur derives from the Anglo-Saxon spura, spora, related to spornan, spurnan, to kick. The spur was used by the Celts in the 5th century BC, and iron or bronze spurs were also used throughout the Roman Empire.
In northern Europe, the spur became less elaborate after the 16th century, as seen in in this pair, particularly following the Stuart Restoration. In England, the rowel spur is shown upon the first seal of Henry III and on monuments of the 13th century, but it does not come into general use until the 14th century.
Just as a medieval knight was said to have "earned his spurs", the awarding of spurs has continued in the modern era as an honour bestowed upon individuals in organisations with a rich military heritage.
Price The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 23/MAY/2024. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. Phone or visit the website to buy.
DimensionsLength 5 inches
Width 4 inches (at widest point)
Date c.1650
Mid 17th Century Antiques Material Steel
Origin English
Condition Very Good.
Item code as155a156
Status Sold
£445.00 
$565.68 
€522.56 
$
€
Conversion rates as of 23/MAY/2024. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. Phone or visit the website to buy.
View all stock from
Doe And Hope
Private dealer, By appointment onlyThe Onion Barn, Shoe Cottage,
15 High Street, Blunham,
Bedfordshire, MK44 3NL.
MK44 3NL
Tel : 07729 213013
Non UK callers : +44 7729 213013
Get directions to Doe And Hope
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