"Mitten" Gauntlet for the Right 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

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1158.7

DescriptionNot a pair. Riveted, one-piece bell-shaped flared cuff with inwardly rolled, roped, sunken border. This is fitted with lining rivets, those dome-headed being later additions. The face of the cuff is faceted, forming a flattened, oblate section. Embossed at the base of the thumb, the defense of which consists of six lames, the first three of which may be restored. The terminal lame is engraved to simulate a thumb-nail. The anterior edge of the cuff is fitted with an extension plate to which is articulated a transversely embossed, roped knuckle-plate. The remainder of the defense consists of three downward-lapping plates and a triangular terminal lame, decorated en suite with the cuff. The interior edges of all are marked by single "V"-shaped nicks.

In acid-cleaned condition.
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.ProvenanceHarness, save gauntlets and helmet: Mr. Edwin J. Brett (until c. 1895) sold by Christie's to Mr. S.J. Whawell. Sold by Whawell in about 1922 to an unnamed English artist, who resold the armor to Mr. Whawell on 6 May 1924. Upon Mr. Whawell's death, the harness was acquired by Messrs. Liberty and Company. Purchased by John W. Higgins on October 18, 1927 from Liberty & Co for GBP500. Helmet 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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