Umbo (shield boss)

Dateabout 500s

Mediumiron with brass discs

Dimensions8.2 × 16.6 cm (3 1/4 × 6 9/16 in.), 6.5 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsAccession number "3519" in red on interior surface.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.690

DescriptionIron, in excavated, reduced condition. Beaten into conical shape with concave sides, & surmounted by spool-shaped flattened finial.

Of one circular piece of iron, now greatly reduced. This is formed as a concave-sided base with broad rim, once secured to the shield with five (?) flattened iron nails of which three complete are extant, with the shaft of a fourth. The bowl develops a slight rim at mid-height at which point it tapers into flattish, conical form to an apparently integral spool-like finial with broad flattened tip and copper disc. Two of the extant nail heads also have similar discs; all three appear to be post-contemporary, but appropriate additions.
ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on April 30, 1929 from Sumner Healey (NYC). The item was renumbered from HAM 238 lot. Possibly from a grave site in Germany? Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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