Frontplate of a Korazin (torso armor)

Culture Ottoman

Dateperhaps about 1500, with modern restorations

Mediumiron

Dimensions49 × 41 cm (19 5/16 × 16 1/8 in.), 3 lb 14 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsTamga at top of mainplate.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.873

DescriptionSteel, with embossed central roundel and alternating radial flutings and plain areas. Side plates perhaps modern, backplate a replacement. Alternates riveted and punched links. Some links are butted or soldered; 3 bottom plates are connected by suspect links, and probably not original--these plates are not normally found on this kind of armor.
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. This piece bears the tamga, an Ottoman armory mark. The butted links are modern repairs.ProvenanceCollection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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