Cantle Plates for a Saddle

Culture Southern German , perhaps Augsburg

Dateabout 1525

Mediumsteel

Dimensions25.4 × 52.1 × 20.3 cm (10 × 20 1/2 × 8 in.), 2 lb 2 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.961.2

DescriptionPolished steel, in 2 overlapping halves, now welded together. Plates shaped to saddle, concave to body, & curving out & down as they narrow to squared terminals. Upper & side edges have hollow-flanged, deeply roped turns followed by shallow recessed band accented by thin lines. Both plates are bossed out in curving arc, followed by low roped rib, & below this evenly fluted overall. Mounting holes at corners & mid-height at mid-width. 3 bolts preserved.
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.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.

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