Pair of Ear Guards from a Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense) ca. 1525-30 German, probably Augsburg Long overlooked in the Museum's collection, these unusual ear guards are exceptional in taking the form of stylized dolphins. Each dolphin is forged in high relief from a style plate with an outward-turned flange at the base that is pierced with a series of rivet holes through which it was attached to the shaffron. Each dolphin has a bulbous, furled brow with ridges that extend down either side of the face; eyes; a rippled snout with upturned end; and a mouth. When mounted, each would have faced upward, its brow facing forward and the horse's ear contained within its mouth. The ear guards have never been etched and show no signs of surface coloring such as bluing, blackening, gilding, or damascening. They therefore may have been intended to be left "white" (brightly polished). The plates have suffered heavy corrosion over the years, resulting in a number of small holes or cracks that were fi