Prick Spur in the Style of the 8th Century

Prick Spur in the Style of the 8th Century

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This spur, made in the 19th century, reproduces an 8th-century Carolingian spur. Its aspect and the style of the decoration betray the forgery.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Prick Spur in the Style of the 8th CenturyPrick Spur in the Style of the 8th CenturyPrick Spur in the Style of the 8th CenturyPrick Spur in the Style of the 8th CenturyPrick Spur in the Style of the 8th Century

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.