four (Fig. 125, a, b, c, d) that can, with safety, be assigned to the Xth, XIth, XIIth, and XIIIth centuries.
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Fig. 127
The spurs of Saint Ferdinand (1199-1252)
F 159, 160, Royal Armoury, Madrid
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Fig. 128. Pair of spurs of gold
Early XIIIth century. From the regalia of France
Galerie d'Apollon, Louvre Cat. No. 18
Of the glittering effect given to much of the harness by the introduction of gold and silver plating, and by the addition of settings of precious stones, we have ample proof, exclusive of our knowledge of the ancient British caparisons of pure gold that have from time to time been discovered. In the Royal Armoury of Madrid is the famous Visigothic bit (Fig. 126), found on a battle-field in Andalusia; there, too, can be seen the spurs of Saint Ferdinand (Fig. 127). These latter are on the "pryck" principle, and are fine examples of careful workmanship, constructed as they are of iron with incrustations of gold, and inlaid with small castles in silver; which same device in gold appears on the heel straps. The Visigothic bit is on the principle that would to-day be known as a simple bar snaffle; but in place of rings for the attachment of the bridle and reins, it has four oblong plaques pierced with holes. These piercings are in the form of dragons' heads and crosses alternating with monograms. The whole is incrusted with silver almost in the Scandinavian manner, or as we are better acquainted with this inlay, as it figures on Chinese bronzes of the Sung and early Ming dynasties.
In the Galerie d'Apollon of the Louvre (Cat. No. 18) there is the sumptuous pair of spurs of pure gold, set with garnets and chased with fleur-de-lis, which, like the sword (Figs. 112, 114, and 115), came from the Treasury of the Abbey of St. Denis, Reims, and which, like it, have been associated with the name of Charlemagne. The spurs have played their part in the coronation ceremonies of the kings of France since the period of their
