Infantry Breastplate "in the German style"

Dateabout 1480

Mediumsteel with modern leather

Dimensions53.3 × 35.6 × 17.8 cm (21 × 14 × 7 in.), 6 lb, 4 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsStamped just below the neck is the maker's mark, comprised of what appear to be the very worn letters "IA" under a split cross. The interior of the neck edge, the L flange angle of the lower mainplate, and the edges of the fauld lames each have a row of five nick marks for assembly purposes.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.50

DescriptionOf rounded form, in two parts that are attached by a central sliding rivet and internal leathers near the sides. The top half has curved openings at the neck and arms, finished with angular, outward plain turns. The square terminals at the shoulders have modern leather tabs in relocated holes; the original holes are visible below (it is less clear that this is true with the right shoulder). There is a low, v-shaped embossed rib below the neck, the point of which visually forms an "X" with the plackart apex. The arm holes are each followed by two curved, gentle flutes imitating the bunching of fabric at the armholes. The plackart is rounded, and rises in a triangular point that is attached with a sliding rivet to the upper half at the medial line. The lower edge has a narrow flange, at the ends of which is riveted a fauld.

The fauld is rounded, of three lames that dip slightly to the medial line which has a low, raised rib. The lower edge of the terminal lame is unfinished. There are additional holes on the fauld that are irregular and asymmetric in placement, perhaps indicated recycled metal and/or a working life replacement. The fauld could be associated, or a working-life replacement.
Label TextThe rounded torso and skirt of this breastplate imitate the contemporary civilian "doublet," or jacket. It was made in Italy, but the angular styling and rippled decoration reflect the tastes of the German market. The master armorer's mark can be seen at the neck, but this piece was probably produced in an assembly-line fashion by a number of skilled workmen. By the time this breastplate was made, Italian plate armor was being mass-produced in large workshops. As a result, plate armor was becoming increasingly common equipment for ordinary footsoldiers.ProvenanceThe Grafs of Churburg (family armory), at Schloss Churburg in the Italian Tyrol to 1967 Galerie Fischer (Lucerne, Switzerland) sold to R.T. Gwynn (Epsom, Surrey, England) Purchased by Armory through Christie's (London), 24 April 2001. Lot 77, ill. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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