Rowel Spur

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The entire outer surface of this now rather worn spur, tabs included, is engraved and partially gilded with grotesque representations of fruits and masks, as well as two galloping riders on each side of the arms. The buckle is contemporary but not original, and is simply blackened and stamped with some geometrical motifs. This type of decoration is also found on French sword hilts made around the years 1650-1660, as the same goldsmiths were hired for adorning different types of objects.

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