Left Pauldron

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

Artist Wolf Peppinghorn (Saxony, Germany)

Dateabout 1590–1600

MediumSteel, iron, leather and black paint

Dimensions32 × 27 × 23 cm (12 5/8 × 10 5/8 × 9 1/16 in.), 2 lb, 13 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsOutside of top lame of each with stamped row of three punched dots near buckle.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1154.5

Description(**Pauldron) The pauldrons are a pair, but are asymmetrical. Each is built of seven lames, working on a pair of leathers, pivoting and sliding-rivets, overlapping upwards. The lames just cover the arm at the front, with the top three lames curving well to the rear and roundedly bossed over the shoulder-blades. Each has a full-length, low medial ridge.

The four lower lames are equally deep, curved to the arm, and generally straight at the ends. To either side of the medial ridge these lames have traces of an overpainted voluted decoration. Decoration of like character is found on the shaffron purchased with this armor (WAM 2014.967).

The treatment of the rear edges differs between the pauldrons: the left has a triangular, notched flange at the armpit of the mainlame, accented by a close-set pair of thin, incised lines at the bend; the right armpit is cut-out for the lance in a shallow, long curve that extends to the basal lame, producing a truncated point there. The anterior edges of all lames are hollow-flanged, as are the posterior edges of the two lower lames of the left, and three lower lames of the right. Except for that below the right mainlame and the pair below that of the left which are plain, all others are inwardly turned. Both forms of edges are file-roped.

The perimeter of the defense has a double-recessed border that is cusped at the medial ridge. Domed lining-rivets fill the broader band from the front of the top lame rearwards to the back of the armpit. The washers and leather lining-band are retained within. A riveted, oblong tongued buckle on the top lame, and a double buckle-and-strap on the basal lame hold the pauldron in place.

Traces of lines of what may be inlaid silver can be seen clearly on all but the uppermost lame of the R pauldron; a few of these can also be seen on the L pauldron. Indications of a blued surface are also visible beneath the paint.
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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