Prick Spur
Unknown Artist
12th century
Medium
Iron alloy
Dimensions
L. 5 in. (12.7 cm); W. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm); Wt. 2.2 oz. (62.4 g)
Classification
Equestrian Equipment-Spurs
Culture
German
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
Accession Number
42.50.253
Art Historical Context
This 12th-century prick spur, forged from iron alloy, hails from medieval Germany and exemplifies the practical yet ingeniously crafted equestrian gear of the High Middle Ages. Measuring just 5 inches long and weighing a mere 2.2 ounces, its lightweight design allowed knights and riders to wear it comfortably on their boots while directing warhorses with precision. The "prick" to its pointed end, a simple but effective feature for urging mounts forward during tournaments, hunts, or battles—essential tools in an era when cavalry dominated European warfare. As part of the Metropolitan Museum of...