Brigandine Plates

Culture Italian

Cultureor Ottoman

Date1400–1470

Mediumiron

Dimensions20 lb (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.825.1-.108

DescriptionThis is part of a large group of virtually identical plates. Each is of iron, roughly square or rectangular, with slight clipping at the corners, and slightly concave to the body. The sizes vary, with some plates being rather large and nearly square, while others are some one-half the size and rectangular (eg. 2014.825.95, .99, .107). The weight is often robust, but occasionally rather light (.107, .108). Each is typically fitted for four securing nails formerly used to fasten the plates to a cloth cover (now lost). The nail-holes are typically arranged in a square or rectangle toward one corner of the plate, allowing them to overlap in the garment. The size of the holes and size and style of nail is variable, suggesting that the plates are not all from one garment. Most of the nails survive; they typically have a roughly conical head, irregularly faceted, and a long shank, which is commonly coiled up into a spiral on the reverse side to secure it (perhaps using a swage?). Some of the nail heads stand quite proud of the surface of the plate, suggesting thick layer(s) of fabric and/or leather beneath. Many of the plates still retain traces of textiles, especially around the nail-heads, and a few may retain traces of leather, perhaps from attachment straps.

Some plates have secondary holes reflecting a prior pattern of attachment, perhaps in a separate context (2014.825.22, .74). Some may have traces of tinning (825.32, .33, .100). Some plates show what might be working-life damage (.45, .79, .61). Some show traces of textile on both sides (.49, .50). Some have modern white paint or crayon on them, likely from Bashford Dean (.58, .78, .96).

2014.825.95 is quite different from the others, being half the size, with a different hole pattern, and copper alloy rivets.
2014.825.100 retains its label from the 1885 inventory; it has also been cut down. 2014.825.103 may retain traces of the 1840s label by Buchon.
ProvenanceFortress of Xalkis (Eastern Mediterranean) (probably) National Historical Museum of Athens. Purchased on 28 September 1929 by John W. Higgins as part of lot 5 of Bashford Dean's estate. Given to the Museum on December 15, 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, Janaury 2014.

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