Horse Spike
In 1899, Patent No. 636,430 was granted to Franz and Konrad Hieke of Philadelphia for what they described as "cavalry equipment". It was essentially a large spike attached to the front of a horse. From their patent:
A better view:
I wonder if one of these was ever actually used in combat?
This invention relates to cavalry equipment; and it has for its object the provision of novel means for protecting the horse from the missiles of the enemy and in the provision of a cutting projection designed to injure the enemy or cause him to evade the projection by stepping to one side where an attack by the rider would be effective.
A better view:
Argos Reflector - Feb 8, 1900
I wonder if one of these was ever actually used in combat?
Comments
You will see something similar in the first pic at the link: horses outfitted with spears and blades strapped to them.
https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2019/12/21/the-hellenistic-period-weapons-and-armour-400-150-bc-iv/
https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2019/12/21/the-hellenistic-period-weapons-and-armour-400-150-bc-iv/
Posted by Paul on 06/22/21 at 10:11 AM
Paul -- I guess the patent reviewer didn't come across that prior art!
Posted by Alex on 06/22/21 at 12:00 PM
I doubt anyone even tried to get a horse to wear that getup. They would just tip forward under the weight of any serious armor. Proper horse armor has a better distribution.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-1firEZFSjI/S_7hYgBTpWI/AAAAAAAAAAs/eNYwyZ84iJo/s1600/Picture+235.jpg
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-1firEZFSjI/S_7hYgBTpWI/AAAAAAAAAAs/eNYwyZ84iJo/s1600/Picture+235.jpg
Posted by eddi on 06/22/21 at 10:36 PM
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Category: Animals | Inventions | Patents | Weapons | Nineteenth Century