Scale Armor (fragments)

Culture Italian , or

Culture Polish

Datelate 1500s–1700s

Mediumiron with leather fragments

Dimensions10 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.821

DescriptionA group of twelve individual scales together with two groups of three and four each. Each iron scale is irregularly teardrop shaped, flat, with bevelled edges and rounded below. At the top edge each has a vertical pair of iron rivets, retaining a fragment of black leather. While scale culets are found on some late 16th century Italian half armors for foot combat, the rough workmanship of these scales suggests that they could be from a Polish scale armor ("karacena") of munitions-grade, possibly as late as the 18th century in date.
ProvenanceDr. Bashford Dean (Riverdale, NY). Purchased as part of lot no. 14 of the Bashford Dean estate on 28 September 1929. Purchase price of $200.00 reflects total price paid for lot. Given to the Museum on 26 December 1946. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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