SPUR

A post medieval incomplete iron rowel spur dating to the 17th century. This spur has gently curving sides, to fit under the ankle, that have figure-8 terminals. One of the upper loops is broken and is now incomplete. On the opposite side an incomplete buckle is still attached to the lower loop. This buckle is attached via a hooked fitting that passes through the lower loop of the spur terminal and wraps around the cross bar of the buckle with a slot for the pin. The buckle is incomplete with only one side of the double-sided trapezoidal frame still intact. This buckle frame has incurved sides and three decorative rectangular projections from the outer edge with triangular smaller projections in between. The pin is still present wrapped around the crossbar. The pin has a decorative collar just below the attachment loop.

This spur has a decorative neck that has been cast to form a three-dimensional acorn with annulet stamps to form the pattern of the acorn cup. The neck is angled upwards, away from the body of the spur and the rowel box projects downwards from the acorn-shaped neck. The rowel box is also decoratively case with ridges and grooves. The iron rowel is still present connected to the box with an iron pin. It was originally a five pointed rowel but two of the points are incomplete. Traces of tinning survive on the surface of the iron. Ellis(2002:1) notes that spurs made from iron were often tinned to protect them from rust and enhance their appearance.

The form of the spur and the buckle suggest a 17th century date. Whitehead (1996:79) notes that trapezoidal buckles primarily date to the 17th century and are often used on spurs.

Dimensions: length (spur body without moving parts): 127.67mm; span (width between the arms): 88.54mm; rowel diameter: 52.86mm; weight: 108.04g; width of buckle: 29.17mm.

Reference: Ellis, B. M. A. 2002. Prick Spurs 700-1700. Finds Research Group Datasheet 30.

Whitehead R, 1996. Buckles 1250-1800 Essex : Greenlight Publishing