A Shaffron in style 16th century, Horse's Head Defense, Germany, 19th century. Forged steel plate with attached parts to protect the ears, a shaped plate with a spike is fixed in the centre. The chanfron was the primary element that protected and decorated a horse's forehead and face. It consisted of a plate of steel contoured to the horse's head from its ears to its nostrils. Normally, two holes were cut at each side of the forehead for the ears, and earpieces were sometimes riveted around their edges. A wonderful collector's item in good condition. Length 57 cm.