Mail and Lamellar Upper-leg Guard

Culture Ottoman

Dateabout 1500

Mediumiron, copper alloy, and brass with traces of leather and traces of gold inlay

Dimensions39 × 38 cm (15 3/8 × 14 15/16 in.), 2 lb 8 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsBears the Ottoman "tamga" on the knee plate. Brass tag "1057" detached from piece as of 2013.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.872

DescriptionSteel, with articulated knee cap studded with copper rivets (one brass), traces of gold koft-gari interlocking strap decoration around outer edge; mail attached at sides with elongated loops of steel on swivel rivets; plate and mail construction for front of upper leg, lower edge of plates punched to form "studs" on the surface, center row of plates also with copper studs. Stamped on the knee cap with the tamga, with round copper studs on either side of the cap for strap attachments.

Punched rows of "false rivets" on the lamellae; some lack these, and are probably working-life repairs. Mail of fine weave around knee, all riveted; larger links around lamellae, alternating riveted and solid. Some repair links of various ages.
Label TextWhere European knights would wear mail underneath their plate armor, Asian armorers incorporated mail and plate elements into single garments. Body armor of this type was worn from the late Middle Ages until the nineteenth century. The complete suit would have covered most of the body with a similar combination of mail and plate.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on October 18, 1935 from Metal Kraft Industries (NYC). Given to the Museum on December 26, 1946. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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