Vamplate

Culture Southern German , Augsburg

Date1500s

Mediumsteel and brass with leather

Dimensions16 × 27 cm (6 5/16 × 10 5/8 in.), 2 lb (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsCrisply stamped with Augsburg pinecone (Stadtpyr).

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.973

DescriptionConical form recurving near the lance hole. Outer edge is crimped inwards, making a 16-faceted edge, with brass rivets between the facets. Fragmentary lining leathers inside. Metal is thick at the outer edge, tapering toward the hole. At about mid-depth are 3 pairs of brass rivets, presumably securing the lining, at about 0, 100, and 210 degrees (the asymmetry perhaps for accommodating the hand and arm?). All rivets appear to be new; the paired holes may originally have been for laces rather than rivets.
Label TextA jouster’s lance was fitted with a vamplate in front of the lance grip. It served to protect the jouster’s hand from the opponent’s lance.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on September 28, 1929 from estate of Dr. Bashford Dean (Riverdale, New York), his # 1. Given to the Museum December 26, 1946. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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