Cowter for the Right (?) Elbow

Date1500–1510

Mediumsteel

Dimensions12.5 × 16 × 9.5 cm (4 15/16 × 6 5/16 × 3 3/4 in.), 8 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsNick marks within, on bend of pucker, near end; possibly mark for distinguishing right & left cowters. Just below the point of the elbow are traces of what may be a badly-worn maker's or guild mark.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.906

DescriptionSteel, moderate size. One piece of shell-like form, with rounded point at elbow, this with transverse ridge extending to "V"-shaped pucker as defense extends around bend of arm in a tendon protector. Upper and lower edges with outward plain turns, and arch slightly, then narrow toward the inner anterior. The turned edge below terminates at a point just forward of the beginning of the pucker. Above and below ridge, at the central face are two transverse sets of two punched holes each for either arming points or the rivets of internal leathers. Just forward of this point, at the anterior terminal of the ridge, are the remains of an iron rivet which once probably secured a buckle and strap. On the other terminal, at the posterior curved edge of the cowter, is another iron rivet, this with a large flat internal head for the attachment of a slotted strap, the other end of which would engage the anterior buckle.

Patched repair at point. External surface has been heavily ground down.
ProvenanceEdward S. Harkness Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bashford Dean Memorial Collection (1929-56, acc. no. 29.156.69 f). Purchased by Museum at Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc.. (NYC) sale of October 24-26, 1956, sale no. 1701, lot no. 106. Paid $30 for lot. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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