Stirrup for (urgent?) coments

Jim McDougall · 18th May 2011, 07:54 PM

I would be guessing at this point Nando, but this does of course appear to be a stirrup, and until I can dig through the books, the scallop shell suggests naturally St. James of Compostela. These enclosed stirrup as far as I know go back quite a ways in Portugal and Spain, but brass seems unusual. Perhaps it is a traditionally based form of 18th century? From what I have understood in Spanish colonial contacts these are considerably rare, though I have not seen them in a shoe type form.

All the best,
Jim

Matchlock · 19th May 2011, 06:24 PM

I fully agree with Jim.

The shape of the shell first arose in the 16th c. but was traditionally and regionally kept well up to the 19th c., so '2nd half18th c.' would seem very consistent with form as well as wear of this interesting stirrup.

Best,
Michael

Atlantia · 19th May 2011, 06:53 PM

Hi Guys,

I answered this one in the Ethno section. I've only ever seen these described as 'Spanish Colonial' or specifically attributed to various south american countries.
If you have a look on the 'bay' and search for 'spanish colonial stirrup' or 'conquistador stirrup' there are always a fair few.
I could be wrong, but I thought that they were used right up to (and probobly into) the 20thC?

Best
Gene

Matchlock · 19th May 2011, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Hi Guys,

I could be wrong, but I thought that they were used right up to (and probobly into) the 20thC?

Best
Gene

Hi Gene,

That's well possible. I only assumed it was a bit earlier because of its considerable wear and patina but of course that may have happened within a hundred years as well.

Best,
Michael

laEspadaAncha · 19th May 2011, 08:00 PM

Hi Michael,

You'll encounter these often in estate collections here in the Southwest. I've seen them described in multiple curatorial collections as "Spanish Colonial" and have represented them as such myself. In fact, I have a pair currently on loan to a local museum.

It is my understanding these were used from the 17th-18th C. onwards in New Spain territories. I have one pair with a mark that was attributed to a Mexico City maker and dated ca. 1750. As I understand it, it was not uncommon for Spanish cannon to be melted down to be recast as utilitarian implements, these stirrups included.

While often described as "Conquistador stirrups," I personally think it is more likely that a majority of these were used by the merchant-class and colonial settlers. Either way, one cannot dispute the functionality provided by a protective brass/bronze shell.

I also believe (as has been stated) these were produced well into the 20th century. The example you show seems to indicate honest use and wear.

Regards,

Chris

Matchlock · 19th May 2011, 08:04 PM

Hi Chris,

Thank you so much for this comprehensive enlightenment! I was not that wrong in the end ...

'Nando, was that helpful?

Best,
Michael

laEspadaAncha · 20th May 2011, 05:24 PM

Hi 'Nando,

It these Days of Distraction I have been trudging through as of late, I mistakingly read this thread as having been started by Michael, not yourself. While it is always a pleasure to exchange posts with Michael, in retrospect, I meant to and should have addressed my initial post to you... Sorry about that.

Anyway, I hope it you were able to receive the responses from Jim, Gene, Michael, and I before you had to leave...

I've been in that position before myself, and credit the collectors on the forum for saving me money I nearly spent on a knock-off Warring States period bronze jian.

Regards,

Chris

18th May 2011, 07:54 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,565	I would be guessing at this point Nando, but this does of course appear to be a stirrup, and until I can dig through the books, the scallop shell suggests naturally St. James of Compostela. These enclosed stirrup as far as I know go back quite a ways in Portugal and Spain, but brass seems unusual. Perhaps it is a traditionally based form of 18th century? From what I have understood in Spanish colonial contacts these are considerably rare, though I have not seen them in a shoe type form. All the best, Jim

19th May 2011, 06:24 PM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	I fully agree with Jim. The shape of the shell first arose in the 16th c. but was traditionally and regionally kept well up to the 19th c., so '2nd half18th c.' would seem very consistent with form as well as wear of this interesting stirrup. Best, Michael

19th May 2011, 06:53 PM	#3
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Hi Guys, I answered this one in the Ethno section. I've only ever seen these described as 'Spanish Colonial' or specifically attributed to various south american countries. If you have a look on the 'bay' and search for 'spanish colonial stirrup' or 'conquistador stirrup' there are always a fair few. I could be wrong, but I thought that they were used right up to (and probobly into) the 20thC? Best Gene

19th May 2011, 08:00 PM	#5
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Hi Michael, You'll encounter these often in estate collections here in the Southwest. I've seen them described in multiple curatorial collections as "Spanish Colonial" and have represented them as such myself. In fact, I have a pair currently on loan to a local museum. It is my understanding these were used from the 17th-18th C. onwards in New Spain territories. I have one pair with a mark that was attributed to a Mexico City maker and dated ca. 1750. As I understand it, it was not uncommon for Spanish cannon to be melted down to be recast as utilitarian implements, these stirrups included. While often described as "Conquistador stirrups," I personally think it is more likely that a majority of these were used by the merchant-class and colonial settlers. Either way, one cannot dispute the functionality provided by a protective brass/bronze shell. I also believe (as has been stated) these were produced well into the 20th century. The example you show seems to indicate honest use and wear. Regards, Chris

19th May 2011, 08:04 PM	#6
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Chris, Thank you so much for this comprehensive enlightenment! I was not that wrong in the end ... 'Nando, was that helpful? Best, Michael

20th May 2011, 05:24 PM	#7
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Hi 'Nando, It these Days of Distraction I have been trudging through as of late, I mistakingly read this thread as having been started by Michael, not yourself. While it is always a pleasure to exchange posts with Michael, in retrospect, I meant to and should have addressed my initial post to you... Sorry about that. Anyway, I hope it you were able to receive the responses from Jim, Gene, Michael, and I before you had to leave... I've been in that position before myself, and credit the collectors on the forum for saving me money I nearly spent on a knock-off Warring States period bronze jian. Regards, Chris