Fragmentary Reinforce for a Cowter (elbow guard)
Cultureperhaps
Italian
Dateabout 1500–1510
Mediumsteel
Dimensions9.8 × 14.6 × 5.5 cm (3 7/8 × 5 3/4 × 2 3/16 in.), 3 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.905
DescriptionSteel, once probably of oblong or shell-like form. Slightly ogival at rounded point of elbow, around which it extends slightly, finished with straight plain edge. Boss of elbow carries to mid-face in near-imperceptible bulge. Above & below elbow, edge is finished as narrow, plain flange without turns. From this point forward, edge as preserved is plain without borders or turns (cf. to the couters of Ferdinand V of Aragon, KHM A.5; Thomas & Gamber Leibrustkammer fig. 53, and PO 537 at Paris, a composite Franco-Spanish (?) armor c. 1500), & dips in graceful curve towards front inner edge. At mid-height of anterior edge, face of plate is fitted with threaded stud & wing-nut with horn-like, up-turned terminals. Stud seems to have been insulated from inner surface of plate by leather washer, fragments of which remain. Stud base appears to have been torn from another plate, probably couter sidewing, suggesting that the plate under examination was a reinforce, which at the time of loss was secured to a couter. This is supported by the absence of mounts for a transverse strap at the rear edges, the abrupt termination of same just beyond the point of the elbow, and the lack of appropriate fittings or holes for vambrace cannons or leathers. As preserved, no other signs of mounts.ProvenanceEx Rhodes Purchased by John W. Higgins on September 28, 1929 from estate of Bashford Dean (Riverdale, NY), odd lot #3. Given to the Museum on January 8, 1947. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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