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Rare early Spanish colonial horse chanfron (chaffron), dated to the 15th–16th century, recovered from a rock shelter north of El Paso, Texas, accompanied by an ornate later engraved curb bit. Of robust iron or steel construction, the chanfron measures 23˝ 12.5˝ x 13˝ and retains its characteristic form, with pronounced ridged ‘bump-ups’ reinforcing the elongated nasal area for added protection. Both ear guards remain intact, while the escutcheon plate – intended to strengthen the vulnerable forehead region – is no longer present. The surface has been professionally cleaned, with minor but well-executed restoration to areas of deformation, preserving the integrity and visual impact of the piece. The lower left cheekplate is annotated in white ink, “From a rock shelter…Near El Paso, Texas. 1926 by Maria Golar.” Included with the chanfron is an ornate engraved curb bit, of later date, featuring long decorated shanks and a complex mouthpiece. In fine condition, with the curb bit appearing to miss one or two embellishments.
The chanfron, a form of plate armor designed to protect a horse’s head in combat, was introduced in Europe in the early 14th century and saw widespread use by the 15th century. As horses played a critical role in both warfare and early exploration, significant effort and expense were devoted to their protection. Such equipment is closely associated with the mounted warfare of the Spanish conquistadors, whose expeditions carried European arms and armor into the New World, with this example representing rare and important archaeological evidence of early Spanish presence in the American Southwest.
The Western Americana auction of Jochen Zeitz.
