Rowel spur

probably Bohemian, Prague, about 1470

Steel covered in brass with six pointed rowel. Decorated with foliage and Gothic miniscules.

From the Roman period onwards, spurs were used to aid the cavalryman in controlling his horse. In medieval Europe they became symbols of knighthood. The earliest spurs, called prick spurs, had simple points. From the 14th century spurs were usually fitted with pointed rowels (spiked revolving disc).