Silver Women's Side-mount Stirrup

Spain, second half of the 18th century (circa 1760–1800)

Chiseled and engraved silver, green stone cabochon (or antique colored glass)

Length: 21 cm

Weight: 384 g

A rare and remarkable ladies’ stirrup designed for side-saddle riding, this elegant solid silver piece exemplifies the refinement of Spanish equestrian silversmithing from the second half of the 18th century. Its closed form, with an angular front, is characteristic of Iberian pieces intended for noblewomen and members of the upper middle class.

The entire piece is entirely handcrafted. The front is adorned with a rich floral design, engraved and chiseled with great artistic freedom. The finely grid-patterned background highlights a broad, radiating plant motif centered on a green cabochon, set in an antique-style setting. The stirrup’s footrest is also adorned with an engraved design of flowers and foliage, while the stirrup strap is embellished with a delicate floral relief design, reflecting the care taken with every detail of this ceremonial piece.

The articulated suspension system, forged and hand-fitted, follows the tradition of Iberian closed stirrups, whose origins date back to medieval equestrian practices on the Iberian Peninsula. The marks left by hand tools, the natural irregularities in craftsmanship, the quality of the setting, and the deep, uniform patina of the silver all confirm that this is an antique piece, predating industrial manufacturing processes.

In the 18th century, side-saddle riding was a practice reserved for women of Spanish high society. The most prestigious harnesses were frequently made of silver and reserved for ceremonies, processions, religious festivals, or public events, where they played a key role in enhancing their owner’s prestige.

To date, the major Spanish public collections accessible online have not revealed a strictly comparable example combining this architectural design, this decorative richness, and the presence of a central cabochon. The rare pairs of women’s stirrups preserved in American or South American collections generally feature a simpler design and lack this level of ornamental embellishment, which underscores the exceptional rarity of this specimen.

Examination of the piece reveals that it is fully consistent with Spanish craftsmanship from the second half of the 18th century:

• entirely handmade;
• engraving and chasing performed prior to the final polishing;
• antique setting of the cabochon;
• a forged, hinged suspension crafted by hand;
• evidence of wear consistent with historical use;
• a deep, uniform patina on the silver;
• no signs suggesting modern manufacture.

Conclusion

Women’s side-mount stirrup, Spain, second half of the 18th century (circa 1760–1800). A true object of prestige, it is a rare example of Iberian equestrian silverwork intended for high-ranking ladies. Its elegant design, the delicacy of its engraved decoration, the presence of its central cabochon, and its remarkable state of preservation make it a standout piece for a collection dedicated to equestrian art, Spanish goldsmithing, or 18th-century European decorative arts.

Estimate

€6,500 to €8,500