Two Ear Guards from a Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense) of Emperor Charles V (1500–1558)

Desiderius Helmschmid

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

These detached ear guards belong to a shaffron from the most famous of Charles V's (1500–1558) armors, the so-called Mühlberg garniture (after the Battle of Mühlberg––April 24, 1547––at which the emperor wore parts of that armor). Dated 1544, the large garniture consists of several hundred elements, including six shaffrons.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art