Backplate for a Youth

Culture Northern German

Date1540–1550

Mediumsteel and leather

Dimensions37 × 31 × 17 cm (14 9/16 × 12 3/16 × 6 11/16 in.), 3 lb 10 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.730.2

DescriptionOf hammer-rough steel, now bright. Very similar to breastplate, but probably not original to it. Boxish, with an old, extended near-level roped neck, & embossed ogival friezes as breastplate. Bossed for shoulderblades, with heart-shaped recess between. Fragments of leather straps within tops of shoulders. Main portion of back riveted to curved waistplate, but in another set of holes to lengthen backplate. Culet lame like fauld. Oblong, tongued buckle at left side of waistplate.

A plate has been added at the top, and the waistplate has been altered to effectively extend the backplate--perhaps for a growing wearer?
Label TextThis breastplate and backplate are typical for the period, with a fashionable peaked breastplate, tapering waist, and decorative edging. An additional plate has been added across the top of the backplate, probably in order to accommodate a growing wearer. Aristocratic boys wore armor from a young age, and their armor might be altered over time to make it last longer.ProvenancePrince Albrecht Radziwill Gifted by Radziwill to Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1927 (as part of gift of 27.183.1-109) MMA 27.183.96-109 exchanged with Bashford Dean in 1928, for objects from Dresden Reaccessioned at MMA as 29.158.133; later deaccessioned Purchased by Museum at Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc.. (NYC) on November 15, 1956, sale no. 1708, lot no. 174. Paid $95 for lot which includes HAM#s 3135.1-7. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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