Brigandine Fragment

Cultureprobably Italian

Date1450–1470

Mediumsteel, iron and canvas

Dimensions11.5 × 23 cm (4 1/2 × 9 1/16 in.), 8 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.822

DescriptionComprised of seven plates of iron or steel, arranged in two columns overlapping downward. Outer column of plates are trapezoidal in form while those within are more or less rectangular and all are curved to the body. Lames are secured to the covering by clusters of small iron rivets whose heads are cut as eight-pointed stars. All lames are encased in the cloth covering of canvas, coarse on the exterior and finer and blue-colored within. This treatment may be a unique survival of a rare practice. The basal left (as viewed) lame is also fitted with an iron buckle of trapezoidal form.
ProvenanceFortress of Xalkis (Eastern Mediterranean) (probably) National Historical Museum of Athens. 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). Given to the Museum on 13 December 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, Jnanuary 2014.

On View

Not on view