Backplate
Culture
Austrian
, or
Culture
Southern German
Datemid 1600s
Mediumiron, brass, traces of original leathers, and modern paint
Dimensions40.5 × 34.3 × 17 cm (15 15/16 × 13 1/2 × 6 11/16 in.), 4 lb 4 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsWhite "MM" inside.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1172.4
DescriptionThe backplate is tall, slight depressed at the neck, and only slightly bossed out to accommodate the shoulder-blades, without a hollow between them. The openings at the neck and arms are like those of the breastplate, and there are restored straps at the shoulders and slightly above the level waistline. The buckle of the waiststrap is apparently modern. The back is drawn down in a shallow, downturned flange with a roughly inwardly turned, plain level edge. The edge is bordered by a single row of 17 domed, iron rivets each of which has a hollow-embossed, circular washer within. These retain dessicated fragments of a leather lining-band. The backplate seems to be authentic and is probably of 17th century German or Austrian origin.
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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