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Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense) with arms of the Freyberg family

ca. 1540
Not on view
This shaffron is fitted with an escutcheon plate bearing the arms of the barons of Freyberg. It comes from the armory at Hohenaschau Castle in Bavaria, the seat of that noble family, and probably belonged to Pancraz von Freyberg (1508–1565), a courtier in the service of the dukes of Bavaria in nearby Munich. Although unmarked, the shaffron is comparable in form to documented examples made in Landshut, a famous Bavarian armor-making center.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense) with arms of the Freyberg family
  • Date: ca. 1540
  • Geography: probably Landshut
  • Culture: German, probably Landshut
  • Medium: Steel, pewter, leather, textile, gold
  • Dimensions: H. 24 7/8 in. (63.2 cm); W. 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm); D. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm); Wt. 4 lb. 13 oz. (2188 g)
  • Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Shaffrons
  • Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
  • Object Number: 14.25.1644
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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