SPUR

An incomplete copper alloy spur of probable later Post-Medieval date (1600-1700). The fragment consists of one complete arm and the rowel box. The second arm and rowel are missing.

The arm is D-shaped in cross section and tapers from the rowel box towards its integral figure of eight terminal loop. The outer surface of this terminal loop is moulded such that the point of arm is accentuated between the loops. Each loops is 7.5mm in diameter.

The neck of the spur is formed at the mid point of the spur and projects 18.3mm horizontally out from its apex. The second arm is missing from its other side.  The neck is oval in cross section (c.7.4mm x 6.7mm diameter) and and has a simple rowel box placed at its end which is is split by a horizontal cleft. One side of the rowel box has an oval loop at its tip (4.0mm diameter), the opposite being missing due to an old break. The neck is decorated by two parallel incised lines in its centre giving it a slight collar between.

The spur has an even mid green patina across its entire surface.

The fragment is c.93.4mm long, c.77m wide and weighs 15.90 grams. 

Spurs are relatively common in the 17th Century when fashion dictated they were worn as an article of dress rather than for just riding. IOW-697B46 is a particularly similar example on the database. Similar example have also been excavated from Beeston Castle, Cheshire (Ellis 1993: figs. 113-114) while Read illustrates a similar figure of eight terminal which he suggests date to the 17th century (Read 2001:65, fig.41 no.499).