Right Vambrace (arm-guard) for a Child
Culture
German
, perhaps Augsburg
Dateabout 1625–1650
Mediumsteel and iron with traces of leather
Dimensions18.1 × 45.7 × 29.8 cm (7 1/8 × 18 × 11 3/4 in.), 3 lb. (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.805
DescriptionSteel, once blackened, now polished & heavily pitted overall. Sized for child. Comprised of 2 associated elements - pauldron proper, & vambrace with turner & first lame above. Right pauldron is of cuirassier's type, with deep, squarish lobes front & rear, triangular projections at armpits & consists of a deep mainlame with 3 lames above & below, all overlapping away from mainlame. Lame edges are tightly scalloped, & perimeter edge is inwardly turned over wire core & plain, followed by a narrow deep recessed band; bordered by a row of plain iron lining-rivets. Topmost lame slotted for gorget strap, with brass oblong, tongued buckle with roller. Vambrace for left arm, & consists of a twice-hinged, tapered lower cannon with inwardly turned plain edge & a rotating upper cannon with pronounced rim. Cannons riveted to bracelet cowter of 2 pieces, overlapping a cusped lame above & below. Edge of tendon-protector inwardly turned & plain, the outer face edged by decorative iron rivets.
The surface seems deliberately altered, perhaps to harmonize the associated components.
Label TextKnighthood began at birth. A boy had to have parents with the status and wealth required of a knight. He would learn to ride almost as soon as he had learned to walk. By the time he reached his teens he would already have started training with weapons. But it would take several more years before he had the strength to fight in armor. Child armor like this example was purely for ceremony, like the tuxedos worn by children at weddings today.ProvenancePurchased by the Museum on October 9, 1930 from York Galleries, Theo. Offerman, NYC Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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