"Bracelet" Cowter for the Left Elbow

Cultureperhaps Northern German

Dateabout 1540

Mediumsteel with traces of black paint

Dimensions22 × 23.2 × 10 cm (8 11/16 × 9 1/8 × 3 15/16 in.), 15 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.810.2

DescriptionAs much of inner part of 2014.810.2 is lost it is not totally possible to assume that construction of the two was identical. For sake of convenience this text describes 2014.810.1.

Of large, shell-like form, deep lobes of which are slightly asymmetrical, upper lobe being somewhat larger than that below. Defense is sharply pointed at elbow, which is embossed with bold, deeply roped rib within thin incised lines, extending transversely from point on inner side of elbow, across outer face to point at outer end of V-shaped "pucker."

Defense is of closed, "bracelet" type, probably at one time of 1 piece riveted at front, but now fitted with second, riveted plate from the bend of arm to an inner point forward of mid-length. Edges of defense are inwardly turned over wire core & roped. This bordered from point of elbow to pucker by plain, shallow recessed band, in turn bordered within by embossed band of scales overlapping away from circular motif centered on lobes above & below, the latter band framed by pair of thin, incised lines. The defense was secured to vambrace cannons above & below by leathers. Interior of both couters is painted black, & traces of black paint is also present on exterior as well.

2014.810.2 is similar to 2014.810.1, but not quite identical. Discrepancies in dimension might be due to them coming from two separate pairs of cowters. The condition of 2014.810.2 is much worse, with a substantial loss to the inside section. Perhaps due to its having corroded more severely, it has been severely ground down, which has resulted in a very different surface appearance from 2014.810.1.
ProvenanceAlbrecht Radziwill (Niéswiez, Lithuania) to 1927 Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC), accession nos. 27.183.75a & b, from 1927 to 1956. Purchased by the Armory from Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc. (NYC) at sale no. 1701, a part of lot no. 106, on 24-26 October 1956. Price paid for lot of twelve elements. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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