Shaffron (horse's head armor)
Culture
German
, perhaps Saxony
Datepossibly early 1600s
Mediumsteel, brass and iron with possibly gilding or gold paint
Dimensions58.4 cm x 23.4 cm, 4 lb, 10 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsNone
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.73
DescriptionFull shaffron of 7 steel plates riveted together with brass-capped iron, & brass rivets, some on irregularly rectangular iron washers. Those retaining the leather lining-strap are circular and hollow embossed. Defense is shaped to head, main-plate extending to mid-eye level, and down over sides fitted with squarish cheek plates pierced with horizontal set of punched holes on that of left, drilled ones on right. Near back of head, main-plate is fitted with dissimilar set of ear defenses of faceted, irregularly-leaf shape. Poll-plate is articulated on leather strip at mainplate rear. Shaped to back of head, this recurves around base of ears where it has been punched in modern times with a single hole on each terminal; transverse set is found at rear medial line. At mid-length mainplate fitted with poorly-formed, tubular plume-holder, decoratively pierced with crescents and lozenges. Extensions through which holder is riveted are roughly rounded and incised with foliate tendrils on cross-hatched ground with pelleted border. Below holder is associated, quadrangular-section spike, secured with squared nut on threaded base. Lower plate for face draws to gentle spatulate arch at its tip. Defined medial ridge extends full-length, with slight rise near mid-point of plate. Edges of all plates are inwardly turned over wire & plain; some turnings are more boxish than others. Surfaces of all plates are decoratively embossed with parallel longitudinal gilt grooves, which also form a perimeter border.
Label TextAs in many of the cultures of Eurasia and Africa, the military elite of medieval Europe were mounted: the word for “knight” in almost every European language actually means “horseman.” A well trained warhorse was expensive, and a knight’s steed often wore at least a head protector, and sometimes additional armor for the neck and body.ProvenanceCollection of the Dukes of Altenburg (Saxony) Gallerie Fischer (Lucerne). Sold 1 Sept 1936. Clarence H. Mackay (Roslyn, L.I.) Jacques Seligmann & Co. (NYC). Purchased from Seligmann (number B-1-121) agents for the estate of Clarence H. Mackay. Included with armor HAM 2581.1 (dealer's number A-13-109). Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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