Rennzeug (armor for the "joust of war")

Artist workshops of Wolf and Peter von Speyer , or (Germany)

Artist Wolf Peppinghorn (Saxony, Germany)

Dateabout 1590–1600

Mediumsteel, iron, leather, black paint, textile and horsehair stuffing

Dimensions93 lb, 1 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1154

DescriptionThe armor appears in part to have been contemporaneously assembled from a variety of pieces, with others, such as the target and greaves, added later. Beneath portions of the black-painted surface many pieces have a fire blued or blackish surface, with bevelled edges polished bright and bordered by thinly lines of what may be silver inlay in groups of two or three (though this could just be scratched to reveal the steel underneath, as with 2014.1148).

Certain components, for reasons of decoration, fit, stylistic similarities, appear to have belonged together prior to being brought togther in the present form. These similarites are noted here by various numbers of asterisks to denote component affinity.

The internal surfaces of the harness have been scrupulously cleaned, losing the expected patina of age.

First group consists of Rennhut with later bracket; bevor; breast and backplate; reinforcing breastplate; lance-rest. Second group consists of gorget; pauldrons; vambraces. Separate from these groups are the tassets, cuisses; tilting target; pasguard; greaves with sabatons (restored by Tachaux); gauntlets.

24D x 29W as mounted
Label TextThis specialized jousting armor evolved from knightly battlefield armor of the late Middle Ages. The jouster tucked his lance under his right armpit, using the adjoining triangular “lance-rest” to help control it. The shield bolted to his left side served as a target for the opponent. Jousters scored points by breaking their lances or unseating their opponents. This armor was made for the Saxon court at Dresden, and continued to see use for many years after. The stabilizing bracket behind the helmet and breastplate was added a hundred years after the armor was made, at a time when jousters were much less sure of their skills.ProvenanceDresden "Rüstkammer" Prince Ernst Heinrich of Saxony (to 1925) Clarence H. Mackay (Roslyn, L.I.) (his A-31). Purchased by the Armory on 27 July 1939 at Mackay sale, Christie's (London), lot 54 (with shaffron HAM# 2550). Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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