War Saddle
Dateabout 1525, with modern restorations
Mediumwood (possibly birch), steel, and iron, with modern leather and textiles
Dimensions58.4 × 63.5 × 57.2 cm (23 × 25 × 22 1/2 in.), 19 lb, 3 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.76
DescriptionWood (birch?) frame (possibly reinforced with sinew), with modern leather & green velveteen with gold braid upholstery. Screwed steel arson & cantle plates which are well-fluted, with cabled & knurled borders. Apex of arson is wide, with narrow cantle apex. Buckles are old, with all modern leathers & woven fabric belly-band strap. With attached contemporary iron stirrups (2014.77.1 & .2).See photos with steels removed in the digital file.
Label TextA knight's saddle was both riding equipment and armor. The high front and back helped stabilize him on the horse. At the moment of impact in jousting, he would not actually be sitting, but braced against the back to help absorb the shock. The steel pommel plates (in front) and cantle plates (in back) helped protect the knight's groin and thighs.ProvenancePurchased by Museum on November 9, 1940 from Jacques Seligmann & Co. (NYC), agents for estate of Clarence H. Mackay. Purchase price of $15,000 included all numbers associated with HAM#2604. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
1625–1650
