production, either late in the XIIth or in the early part of the XIIIth century, and so they were highly prized, as the Abbey of St. Denis jealously guarded the privilege of the conservation of coronation regalia. It was the Duke of Burgundy's function at the coronation to attach them to the king's heel and immediately take them off again. In the early years of the XIXth century they were subject to the most drastic restoration, indeed, parts of them were entirely re-made (Fig. 128). However, golden spurs are mentioned in inventories of the Treasury of St. Denis by Doublet (1625), by Millet (1645), and by Félibien (1706), likewise illustrated on Plate IV of the latter's work, where they are apparently shown in much the same form as they appear to-day. Omont also alludes to golden spurs in 1739.
We may surmise that with such luxurious horse trappings in existence in the XIIIth century the standard of adornment must have been maintained and even surpassed during the succeeding centuries. From a comparison of the various types of bits that have been discovered, we may come to the conclusion that as yet the curb with its accompanying lever bars was unknown; for the bits of the XIIth and XIIIth centuries actually extant confirm the contemporary illustrations in showing us but the simple snaffle type, which could have varied in severity only according to the formation of its mouth bar.
Of the spur, with its knightly significance, much has been written. The excellent "The Book of Spurs," by J. James, F.S.A., reprinted from the Journal of the British Archaeological Association, gives in full the history of the spur from its first appearance down to the XVIIth century, and treats of the various types and their approximate dates, going far more fully into the subject than it is possible for us to do here. The subject has recently been dealt with by Mr. de Lacy Lacy in "The History of the Spur." The present writer has also alluded to its development in Chapter XXII.
