Antique Spanish Conquistador Stirrup. Solid Brass. 1600 - 1800s.
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:52343 | Modified Item: No |
Exact age is unknown but it is clearly very very very old. It is 9" long solid brass and intricately tooled in designs on its edges. The width is 4 1/2" at its widest point and the height is 6". There is clear oxidation as it has been maintained as the antique that it is and not cleaned with metal cleaner to remove ordinary oxidation aging. It obviously was worn in battle and has signs of wear such as scratches, some small dents, and a small perforation of the metal on each side. ...
History: Paired stirrups were first recorded in the 4th Century AD on a Chinese pottery horse and a stirrup has been found in a 4th Century Chinese grave. Their use spread through Central Asia and into Europe by the 8th century AD. The stirrup revolutionized riding and warfare. It allowed cavalry to ride further and faster, heavy cavalry and the use of lances developed, as did light cavalry and mounted archers. It was in Byzantine times when some elements like the saddle, stirrups, spurs, bits and bridles became popular and their use spread throughout Europe. This style of Stirrup most likely evolved in Europe during the days of Knights & Cavaliers. The use of these devices helped the rider achieve greater stability as well as a means to mount and dismount the horse with relative ease. This fact was especially crucial when the rider was wearing heavy armor in which the weight of the metal would be enough to topple him off the horse. The use of enclosed stirrups served the purpose of providing a firm, solid base platform for the Horseman to stand up in while wielding his own sword, charging with lance, or shooting arrows. while also providing armour to the feet of the rider. It has been said that the Spanish Conquistadors brought this type of Stirrup as part of their horse equipment to the New-World. Others state that these Stirrups were produced in the 'New World' after the Conquistador arrived. This type of Stirrups was made of bronze or brass to help prevent rusting.
History: Paired stirrups were first recorded in the 4th Century AD on a Chinese pottery horse and a stirrup has been found in a 4th Century Chinese grave. Their use spread through Central Asia and into Europe by the 8th century AD. The stirrup revolutionized riding and warfare. It allowed cavalry to ride further and faster, heavy cavalry and the use of lances developed, as did light cavalry and mounted archers. It was in Byzantine times when some elements like the saddle, stirrups, spurs, bits and bridles became popular and their use spread throughout Europe. This style of Stirrup most likely evolved in Europe during the days of Knights & Cavaliers. The use of these devices helped the rider achieve greater stability as well as a means to mount and dismount the horse with relative ease. This fact was especially crucial when the rider was wearing heavy armor in which the weight of the metal would be enough to topple him off the horse. The use of enclosed stirrups served the purpose of providing a firm, solid base platform for the Horseman to stand up in while wielding his own sword, charging with lance, or shooting arrows. while also providing armour to the feet of the rider. It has been said that the Spanish Conquistadors brought this type of Stirrup as part of their horse equipment to the New-World. Others state that these Stirrups were produced in the 'New World' after the Conquistador arrived. This type of Stirrups was made of bronze or brass to help prevent rusting.
