Stirrup for (urgent?) coments

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

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19th May 2011, 08:00 PM	#7
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