"Peascod" Breastplate adapted for the "Gioco del Ponte"
Dateabout 1585–1590, with later alterations
Mediumsteel and brass with leather fragments
Dimensions50.8 × 33 × 20.3 cm (20 × 13 × 8 in.), 5 lb 4 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsJust below mid-height, centered on the faces to either side of the medial ridge are the chased letter "G" (on the right), and "P" (on the left) indicating the "Galleria Prima" at Pisa. Incomplete cross-like marking below neck within, & "IXXXX" within right side of flange.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.754
DescriptionBreastplate is of steel, in the deep peascod form without lance-rest, curving to a rounded point well below the waist. Extending down from the deeply scooped neck opening is a sharp medial ridge which terminates at the narrow, integral downturned flange below, curving down to a clipped point at mid-length, and pierced at the ends for the lost skirt. The armpits are curved, and fitted with separate gussets which were once flexible, but have been fixed to the breastplate with rivets (retaining some of the brass capping) near the ends. At mid-height each gusset is crudely fitted with a lead or pewter eyelet (cf. to those of anime backplate 2014.732) for a point. The topmost, modern rivet with leather fragment and octagonal washer of the right gusset is fitted into a similar eyelet which was probably matched by a mate on the terminal now lost opposite. The gussets and neck opening are finished with inward hollow turns, roped with deep file marks. The armpit edges of the breastplate are unturned and slightly bevelled, and each is bordered with a single, deeply-cut line. Extending from either of the upper rivets which fasten the gussets to the breastplate, is an embossed, V-shaped band, lightly file-roped and framed within narrow chased lines.
The side edges below the armpits are vertical and fitted with crude, rectangular extension-plates with waist-flange, and secured by three iron rivets each; this is probably during use in the Gioco.
Label TextThis breastplate imitates the line of the contemporary civilian "peascod" doublet, with its protruding front and drooping belly. The civilian style itself may have been influenced by earlier armor styles. The V-shaped ridge on the chest is a remnant of an earlier style that had an attached rib to direct lance-points away from the throat. This armor has had a varied career: the marks G and P are from its later use in the Italian combat sport called Gioco del Ponte ("Bridge Game").Provenance(Probably) the "Galleria Prima" at Pisa Edward Hubbard Litchfield collection Purchased on December 5, 1951 by the Museum at Parke-Bernet Galleries (NY), sale no. 1293, lot 160. Paid $70 for lot. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, Janaury 2014.
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