Manifer

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

Artist Wolf Peppinghorn (Saxony, Germany)

Dateabout 1590–1600

MediumSteel, iron, leather and black paint

Dimensions38 × 17 cm (14 15/16 × 6 11/16 in.), 3 lb, 3 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1154.15

DescriptionThe gauntlets seem to be a pair, and may relate to the group marked with *.

Manifer has long rigid cuff and three deep flexible lames below. The shape and execution of the cuff is similar to the right gauntlet, but less pointed and boxish, having slightly more concave sides, and a notched slightly curved edge at the wrist opening. There is a full-length, low medial ridge.

The cuff extends out over the thumb base and the finger knuckles, is embossed for the ulna, and has fittings for the transverse buckled strap that encircles the wrist. The lames below overlap toward the cuff. They are deep, roundedly curved to the hand, and each has a strong, boxed and file-roped rib across the bevelled upper edge, the rib serving as a stop-rib. At either end the lames work on domed rivets in lobate extensions of the plates. The uppermost lame has an integral oval plate to defend the thumb. It is finished with a hollow-flanged edge and a wide shallow recessed plain border. The terminal lame below is bossed in a deep, half round shape, and is decorated as the cuff.

The manifer also retains its original leather glove of mitten form with thumb. The palm is slit across the fingers in order to permit slipping them out of the glove in order to grasp the reins and one or both of the original, transverse straps riveted to the lames here.
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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