Right Cuisse

Dateabout 1600

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

Dimensions52 × 23.5 cm (20 1/2 × 9 1/4 in.), 3 lb (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Markings108. on top lame in red paint. 7 triangular punched assembly marks on top lame, others visible on outer edges of lames below.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1172.10

DescriptionThe right tasset is of three-quarter length, moderately wide at the top and more-or-less shaped to the thigh. The defense is comprised of eight upwardly overlapping lames above the poleyn of four plates. The plates which defend the thigh are moderately deep, and consistent as the thigh defenses tapers in a natural manner to the knee. There is a very slight inward curve on the inner edge of the top two lames, but otherwise the lames ends are straight, with a hollow-flanged, plain finish. The lames articulate on sliding-rivets and a pair of internal leathers - one centered, the other on the inner edge. Both side edges have a riveted leather band for the lost lining. The top edges of the plates are level, and they curve to the leg without a medial ridge. The ninth lame from the top is deeper than those above and forms the top of the poleyn. A low medial ridge begins here, and extends to the end of the defense.

The lames of the poleyns are pointed at their unfinished ends where they are riveted and articulate above and below. The mainlame is rounded over the knee, deepening slightly above and below on the medial line. The integral side-wing of the right poleyn is more-or-less oval in shape, and the edge opposite is squared. The perimeter of the side-wing, and the bottom edge of the terminal lame below have inwardly turned, plain edges. Both knees have had a low arched extension riveted internally to the basal edge of the lame immediately above the mainlame. This seems to have been necessary to defend an unintentional gap produced when the knees were flexed.

The tasset was attached via three rectangular buckles and leather straps on the top lame, and by transverse buckles and straps behind the knees, a tape drawn through leather loops on the edges of the lame above, and by buckle and strap at mid-thigh. The loose end of these last-mentioned straps was inserted into a vertical slot cut into the corresponding tasset lame.
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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