Leg of a pommel plate
Culture
Southern German
Date1520–1525
Mediumsteel
Dimensions30 × 12 cm (11 13/16 × 4 3/4 in.), 10 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.961.1.1
DescriptionSteely iron. 2 halves, each essentially rectangular, slightly broadened to outside end. Upper edge & side are followed by hollow, cabled edges with broad, rather deep plain recessed bands. Upper inner corner is plain, & shallowly dished for pommel. Face fluted overall, the even flutes broad & shallow, offset by raised ribs accented by incised lines. Pierced at inner end & on face near the outer with large screw-holes.Label TextA knight's war saddle was often armored with a "pommel plate" in front and a "cantle plate" in back, decorated to match the rider's armor. The plates protected the knight's groin and thighs. The pommel plate might also be fitted with hooks for hanging extra weapons such as a mace or war hammer.ProvenanceFrom the Radziwill Armory at Nieswecz Castle, Poland Christie's (London) sale of 29 June 1926, lot 130a with HAM# 365.2 York Galleries (NYC), from whom purchased by John W. Higgins on 20 April 1928. Given to Museum on 15 December 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
Southern German
about 1550