"Mitten" Gauntlet for the Left Hand
Cultureprobably
Flemish
Dateabout 1550–1556
Mediumsteel and leather
Dimensions27.9 × 15.2 × 12.7 cm (11 × 6 × 5 in.), 1 lb (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsFinger lames marked with nick on proper right edge. Interior of all parts marked by single serial dot.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1158.6
DescriptionSomewhat similar in construction and form to the right, but larger. Consisting of cuffplate, 2 metacarpal lames, knuckleplate, 4 finger lames; all lames overlapping away from knuckleplate. Thumb of four lames, the basal of which is restored. Cuff with slight medial ridge. Associated lame at knuckles crudely engraved in the fashion of the right. Terminal lame nearly squared-off in form. Deep sunken cuff border, but lacking lining rivets as found on right; those present are randomly mounted and modern.Label TextLike modern handwear, gauntlets came in two versions--glove and mitten. Glove-style gauntlets allowed better mobility for the hands than mitten gauntlets, but offered less protection. Steel gauntlets like this one had leather gloves inside, but the original leather rarely survives.ProvenanceHelmet and gauntlets : When purchased from Mr. Brett, the armor had an open-faced helmet, and lacked gauntlets. (per a letter dated 22 November 1927 from Liberty and Company) Those present with the armor were purchased at the 14 June 1923 Sotheby sale of Pembroke collection by Liberty and Company for Mr. Whawell (he obviously intended to reacquire the armor at this time). The items were reacquired by Liberty and Company at Mr. Whawell's death; and later acquired by Higgins. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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