Breastplate

Culture Austrian , or

Culture Southern German

Datelate 1800s–early 1900s

Mediumiron, brass, traces of original leathers, and modern paint

Dimensions41.9 × 40 × 21 cm (16 1/2 × 15 3/4 × 8 1/4 in.), 5 lb 15 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsWhite "MM" inside.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1172.3

DescriptionThe breastplate is long, with a deep, rounded comb-like peak that recurves to the slightly dipped waistline. The neck opening is slightly depressed in a low curve between the squared-off shoulder terminals with double, tongued iron buckles. The opening has a stout, nearly angular, inward turn deeply roped to either side of a medial nick. Below this, the breastplate has a full-length, sharp medial ridge. The arm openings are deeply curved without gussets, and turned like the neck, but are unroped. The side edges below are straight to the waist, and have hollow-flanged finishes. There is no provision for a lance-rest.

The waist is prolonged as a narrow flange, and riveted to the ends of this is a fauld of two lames. These are equally narrow as they curve across the hips, and articulate on the modern rivets at the ends, which also serve as the mounts for the outer set of restored tasset straps. There are three of these per side. The lowest lame has a hollow-flanged, low arc at the fork.

While the breastplate is reasonably well made, it appears that it is post-contemporary, and made to fit the backplate.
ProvenanceArchduke Eugen's Armory, Festung Hohenwerfen, Salzburg, Austria to Dec. 1926 purchased by John W. Higgins on March 1, 1927 from Anderson Galleries (NY), their # 104. Given to the Museum on December 15, 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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