Pricked Spur, 1200s. Spain, 13th century. Steel; overall: 19 x cm (7 1/2 x 3 5/16 in.). The spur was an essential part of the knight's equipment. Fastened to his heels by means of straps and buckles, it was used to prod a horse into action. This example represents the oldest type recorded, the "pricked" spur, so-called because its neck terminated in a spike. The pricked spur was replaced during the Middle Ages by the "rowel" spur, with a rotating spiked wheel.

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Size: 3400px × 1865px
Photo credit: © CMA/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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