Left Gauntlet

Culture Austrian , or

Culture Southern German

Date1600–1625

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

Dimensions28 × 14 cm (11 × 5 1/2 in.), 13 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsWhite "M" inside both.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1172.11

DescriptionAlthough these are generally similar in form and construction they are not a pair, but are probably contemporary. Both have two-piece, riveted, flared and pointed cuffs, although the right is more squat and flaring. The openings of the cuffs have inwardly turned edges over a wire, but only that of the left is roped. The openings are bordered by a row of domed, iron lining-rivets. The original rivets on the right gauntlet are brass-capped and without washers. Those of the left are of iron only, with irregularly circular, thin washers under which are found fragments of leather. The edge of the opening across the base of the palm are level, outwardly turned and plain.

Riveted to the ends of the basal edge of the cuff, in low bluntly pointed lobes is a metacarpal defense of six plates. The cuff overlaps the uppermost of these, which is also overlapped below by the remaining five lames that overlap toward the wrist. These lames are narrow, curved to the hand, with bevelled edges, and are riveted at the squared ends in lobed extensions. The most distal metacarpal plate on the R is restored. Except for those which are later replacements, the rivets of the right gauntlet are brass-capped, and once held hollow-embossed circular washers, all but two of which are lost. Those of the left defense are circular, made from thin sheet iron.

On the right gauntlet the third lame from the top retains a fragment of leather at its outer end; this may have held a thumb-defense now lost. The broken hinge on the edge of the second lame below is a later addition. The filled hole on the lower outer edge of the left cuff may have secured a similar defense. The terminal lames of both metacarpal defenses are deeper than those above, and are curved out at the sides, to the rivets of the knuckle-plate. While different in their execution, both of these are of the same type. Each is bilobated at the riveted ends, with those of the left gauntlet being pointed as the other lames. The plate is transversely embossed with a stout boxed roped rib. It overlaps and is riveted to a lame over the base of the fingers. This plate is shaped to each finger, and has a scalloped edge. The plate of the right gauntlet is an association. The left gauntlet retains two scales each on the index and middle fingers.
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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