Backplate for a Winged Hussar

Cultureprobably Polish

Date1750–1800

Mediumiron

Dimensions31.8 × 31 × 15.9 cm (12 1/2 × 12 3/16 × 6 1/4 in.), 2 lb 14 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsAccession number "83.02.2" in white on interior mid-back.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.729

DescriptionIron. Of irregular "X" (butterfly) shape, upper arms curving over shoulder, & pierced with 3 holes each. Plate formed of 2 pieces, vertically overlapped & secured with 5 flush rivets, off center. Centered to either side of this join is pair of rectangular "U"-section sockets to accommodate wooden frames of wings. These are secured by 6 similar iron rivets. Medial edges of backplate are roundly cusped at center, terminating in "v"-shaped nick. Rounded extensions formed by this scooping are each fitted with pair of brass rivets, probably originally for the suspension straps.

Shoulder pieces have been broken and repaired.
ProvenanceCollection of Robert Ekenstierna (Long Island). He states he purchased it at an auction of items from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the 1950s Joshua Stoff. Gift of Joshua Stoff, 7 Millstream Lane, Stonybrook, New York on May 11, 1983. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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