Left Tasset

Culture Northwestern European

Dateearly 1600s

Mediumsteel and brass

Dimensions34.3 cm (13 1/2 in.), 4 lb 8 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1156.9

DescriptionMade of heavy steel; of generally square form, of seven lames each, formed with a medial ridge, and a nick in the upper edge of each at this point, and decorated en suite with the breast. The uppermost lame is formed to fit over the basal flange of the breastplate. The fit produced suggests that the tassets are associated, but contemporary. The lame is secured to the flange with the studs engaging keyhole-shaped slots on the lame extremities, probably cut at a later date. Near the fork, each lame is pierced with a slot which fits over the flange tabs, as well as a similar tab on the lame which once secured a chain-and-staple. The tabs are probably later, the lames most likely being connected transversely with a buckle-and-strap.

The lames below work on brass rivets and three modern leathers, with sliding-rivets at the outer edges. The five mid lames of each tasset are market with "V"-shaped assembly mark nicks on their inner edges. There are however, several inconsistencies: on the right, the lame with four nicks follows that with six, and has had its rivets anterior and posterior re-mounted, as well as the terminal lame being a re-worked association; the nicks of this lame are of a different character suggesting it is from another harness. The character of the left lames varies as well, but the uniformity of patination suggests that this is an older re-work of extant lames. The terminal lames have a row of five brass rivets below (those of the right with a burlap strip are modern), and fitted with modern turning-pins and dome-headed studs.
Provenance(Armor only) No provenance prior to Andrade. Purchased by John W Higgins from Cyril Andrade, Ltd (London) on 5 October 1929. Given to the Armory on 10 December 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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