Champron

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A champron (also spelled chanfron, chamfrein, and shaffron) is a medieval armor piece designed to protect a horse's face. Sometimes this included hinged cheek plates. A decorative feature common to many champrons is a rondel with a small spike. ^[1]

The champron originated in ancient Greece, but vanished from use until the twelfth century when metal plates replaced boiled leather as protection for war horses. The basic design of the champron remained stable until it became obsolete in the seventeenth century, although late examples are often notable for engraved decoration. A champron extended from the horse's ears to its muzzle. Flanges often covered the eyes. In an open champron, the eyes received no protection. Hinged extensions to cover the jowls were chiefly used for jousting tournaments.^[2]

[edit] Notes

1. ↑  Broughton, p. 100.
2. ↑  Mondadore, pp. 417 - 418.

[edit] Sources

• Broughton, Branford B. ‘’Dictionary of Medieval Knighthood and Chivalry: Concepts and Terms’’, (Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 1986).

• Mondadore, Arnoldo, ed. ‘’The Complete Encyclopedia of Arms & Weapons’’, (New York:Simon & Schuster, 1979).