Backplate

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

Artist Wolf Peppinghorn (Saxony, Germany)

Dateabout 1590–1600

MediumSteel, iron, leather and black paint

Dimensions40 × 38 × 17 cm (15 3/4 × 14 15/16 × 6 11/16 in.), 7 lb, 4.5 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsThickly-painted, dark ochre script on interior: "H. General Lieut: von Bose".

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1154.4

Description(* Backplate) Forged in one piece of rather boxish shape without culet. It is beaten up over the shoulders, and is slightly bossed for the shoulder-blades, with a very shallow hollow between them. Riveted here is the heavy, threaded stud with wing-nut, for the "Rennhut" bracket.

The neck opening is nearly level, rising only slightly in a very low arc at mid-width. The squared shoulder terminals are wide and notched on the edge. Each has three holes in a triangular grouping for the straps but probably only the top pair was originally used.

On the full, slightly tapering sides are empty holes. Those at mid-height were probably the matching mounts for the holes on the breastplate. Just above the basal waist-line either side is fitted with a modern rivet and fragment of a leather strap [this has since been replaced].

The backplate is drawn out in an integral, downturned, downcurved flange deepening slightly to mid-width. At the center and on either side the flange is pierced with horizontal pairs of small holes lined with what may be a copper alloy sleeve; these may have served for the arming-points of a lining. The flange edge is bordered by a row of 13 domed, and two-flush-headed rivets holding the lining-band within. The neck, arm and flange edges are inwardly turned and roped.

The silvered bands appear at the arms and flanks, and were probably once at the neck and flange edge.
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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