Ceremonial Target
Artist
Elkington & Company, Ltd
(Birmingham, England)
Datedated 1886
Mediumcopper electrotype with silvering
Dimensions14 × 62 cm (5 1/2 × 24 7/16 in.), 7 lb, 6 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.765
DescriptionCopy of 1552 original by Jörg Sigman of Augsburg, now in V&A (3660-1855). Appears to have been assembled from multiple pieces. Rear has been oxidized to conceal the copper. Rear bears a seal with a crowned VR and the legend "Department of Science & Art. Elkington."Label TextElectrotyping uses an electric current passed through a copper bath to shape a thin film of metal to a model. This technique enabled the mass-production of reproductions and was employed extensively in the nineteenth century to reproduce decorative art objects and arms and armor. The resultant castings were silver or steel colored, making authentication more difficult for beginning collectors. However, as they are non-magnetic, and the coating wears off easily, exposing the copper, electrotypes can be readily identified as modern products.ProvenancePurchased by Museum from Mr. Sidney Locker (New Orleans, Louisiana) on May 4, 1951. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
Italian
late 1500s–early 1600s, with later decoration and additions
