Left Cuisse

Culture Northwestern European

Dateearly 1600s

Mediumsteel and brass

Dimensions42.1 cm (16 9/16 in.), 2 lb 11 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1156.11

DescriptionOf similar form and construction to the tassets, secured to the mounts of the terminal lame of the tassets proper. The extensions are of six lames each, with poleyns of five lames.

The five upper lames are sequentially marked from 8-12 nicks each. The 6th lame of the left has had the lower edge and mounting holes re-worked to accommodate the associated poleyn. The first lame on the poleyn is of differing form, with cusps at the rivets and medial ridge, and a squared outer upper edge. The similarly formed poleyn has an integral medium-size side-wing of kidney-shape and pronounced pucker, secured transversely with a buckle-and-strap. The poleyn terminal lame has a medial ridge, with a slight "bump" on that of the right, extending down in a gently curve to the terminal cusp and hollow embossed edge. On either side of the medial ridge along the lower edge is a keyhole-shaped slot, modern-cut for the attaching of a greave.

The decoration of the extensions is like that of the tassets, but the third and fifth lames of the left lack the medial nick of the upper edge. Other restorations or associations include the lower two lames of the left poleyn (associated to remainder); transverse buckle-and-strap on main thigh-plates are lacking; lower four lames of associated right poleyn are incorrectly mounted at the upper inner edge of the fourth lame, with signs of rework to both knees; some pitting seems to be later, done to match patina.
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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