Front of a Brigandine Torso Armor
Culture
Spanish
, perhaps Valencia
Datelate 1400s, probably rebuilt mid-1500s
Mediumtinned iron, brass, leather and fabric
Dimensions9 lb (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsA double-stamped (five bars per pale) square, oriented on one point, is found over the greater part of the back lames (Valencia?). On the outer, associated columns of lames is found a bell-shaped mark. Both are also found on the breastplate, as is a three-pointed, tower-like mark and a quatrefoil mark. See digital file for photos.
These marks appear on pieces believed to be Spanish, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), the Royal Armory of Madrid, and the Georges Pauilhac collection, in the Musee de l'Armee, Paris.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.814.1
DescriptionThe brigandine appears to have been constructed in the mid-1500s using elements from two older brigandines. All lames are covered in a now-rotten leather sheathing, probably applied during its rebuilding in the 16th century. The plates are secured with copper-alloy rivets. The defense closed via laces or tapes tied at the sides, but originally appears to have opened along the front. The construction of the breastplate is less homogenous than the backplate. Those lames with the square mark had a straight row of small rivets, and another below each end; the lames with the bell mark originally had their rivets in triangular groups of three each.
ProvenanceMarques de dos Aguas (Spain) Purchased by John W. Higgins on 28 September 1929, as part of lot number 3, from the estate of Bashford Dean (Riverdale, NY). Price of $200.00 paid for lot included 13 items (nos. 809.1-13). Group given to the Museum on 15 December 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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