Image Not Available

Right Vambrace from an "Almain Rivet" Armor

Date1520–1530

MediumSteel and leather

Dimensions74 × 15 × 7 cm (29 1/8 × 5 7/8 × 2 3/4 in.), 2 lb, 6 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsLeft is marked with four "V"-shaped nicks along the leading edge, and the lame below with what seems to be three on the inner edge at the medial line, partially obscured by the internal leather there. The upper cannon of the vambrace of the same defense has two nicks at the same point of its upper edge.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.842.4

DescriptionThese are of the splint form. Each is composed of a two lame spaudler, pierced on the top edge of the upper lame with a transverse set of arming-point holes, and is attached to a gutter-like upper cannon of the vambrace with three internal leathers. A transverse, modern buckle-and-strap secure the cannon to the upper arm. At the medial basal edge of the cannon is a riveted leather (2 rivets on that of the left, 1 on the right) securing the cannon, in turn, to the oblong couter and lower cannon. The lower cannon is also of gutter type, with a longitudinal, centered slot in which slides the pyramidally-headed stud of a metacarpal defense of five overlapping, articulated slightly flaring lames working on a broad single leather. The lower cannon is strapped as the upper, and has a transverse strap on the terminal lame of the metacarpal defense.

There are difficulties with the units as formed. The spaudlers are not a pair: the right is of flatter trapezoidal form, seems to have been reworked at the edges, has arming-point mounts at a level lower than the other. The upper edge is hollow-embossed, and faceted at the anterior edge. The plates do not fit well together with one another and the upper cannon below, which actually seems to belong on a left splint. The oblong couter of the right is apparently a copy of the left, or at best a reworked example. The lower cannon is also associated, of very thick metal, with a hollow, anterior edge at the wrist. The metacarpal defense fits poorly here, and the lames with one another, except the third and fourth lames below the wrist. All show signs of re-working. The terminal lame is faceted at its leading edge, and appears to be correct for a contemporary splint.

The spaulder of the left is more rounded to the point of the shoulder, with a hollow edge and a low medial ridge extending down across the slightly cusped edge, over the similar second lame, and fades out on the upper part of the upper-cannon. The three plates are sequence-marked (see marks). The upper cannon is extremely scratched at its basal edge, suggesting re-work. The associated, oblong couter is similar to, but better formed than the right. The upper and lower edges are faceted on the outer face, then plain to the vertical rear edge. From its shallow, "V"-shaped pucker, the couter is embossed in a widening form to the rounded elbow. From the bend of the elbow out over the outer face, the couter is transversely embossed with a low ridge. Centered on the rear edge is a modern transverse riveted strap that should engage a buckle on the front inner face. Now centered on the face of the couter is a modern, pyramidal faceted stud with washer, riveted to the centered internal leather connecting the couter with the upper and lower cannons. Forward of this towards the bend of the elbow, is a vertical set of irregular, punched holes once fitted with rivet for leathers above and below (cf. to B9 in the Sanctuary…). The lower cannon and the lame below seem to be modern re-working of older stock. The second through fourth lames are a set, probably from a left splint (cf. to RAM III. 1165). The present terminal lame is modern.
ProvenanceThe armor was assembled by Dr. Bashford Dean, apparently sometime between 1906 (when he acquired much material from the Baron Vidal de Léry collection in Paris) and late 1910/early 1911 (as the armor was displayed as catalogue #1 in the 1911 loan exhibition of arms and armor at the Metropolitan). The items come from a variety of collections; the arms are from de Léry. Purchased by John Higgins from the estate of Dean (Riverdale, NY), the executor's #42, on 28 August 1929. Given to the Armory on 26 December 1947. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

On View

Not on view

Collections