Skip to main content
Conservation Status: After Treatment
Toe Cap, probably from an Armor for Emperor Charles V
Conservation Status: After Treatment
Image © Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Toe Cap, probably from an Armor for Emperor Charles V

Dateabout 1540
Mediumsteel
Dimensions6.4 × 12.1 × 3.8 cm (2 1/2 × 4 3/4 × 1 1/2 in.), 4 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.943
DescriptionEmbossed with a floral design on the upper surface, with an embossed rounded ridge around the bottom edge. Inside this ridge is a double incised line, surmounted by a row of small etched triangles. There are also traces of incised decoration on the embossed upper surface.

The broad, flat front imitates the shape of a civilian shoe of the period. The rear edge is pierced with small holes for a mail foot-covering; 13 of the mail links are retained. There are 2 holes in the top for lacing to the shoe, and 10 small holes along the bottom edge for securing it underneath.
ProvenancePurchased by Museum on May 8, 1933 from Sumner Healey (NYC). Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
On view
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Northern Italian
portions 1500s, assembled and decorated in 1800s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Austrian
1550–1600, with 19th century restorations
Close Helmet
Austrian
possibly about 1580–1590
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Master of the Crowned Orb and Cross
about 1500
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Spanish
1490–1500
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Italian
about 1580, modified early 1600s