Pasguard (elbow reinforce)

Artistattributed to Kolman Helmschmid (Germany, 1471–1532)

Artistetching perhaps by Hans Burgkmair the Elder (German, 1473–1531)

Artistetching after Daniel Hopfer (German, about 1470–1536)

Dateabout 1520

Mediumetched and blackened steel

Dimensions32.5 × 33 cm (12 13/16 × 13 in.), 3 lb 8 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1138.9

Description1 piece of robust steel, asymmetric, with large upper wing and smaller lower wing; between is lobe for elbow, pierced to accommodate a bolt for securing to the cowter. Etching around the external perimeter of the wings and the border between the wings and elbow-lobe.

Trace of red paint on the interior.
Label TextSuits of armor were often made with interchangeable “pieces” of exchange that allowed the suit to function in different ways: for cavalry, infantry, tournaments, and so on. The pasguard attached to the elbow-piece of the armor for jousting: it provided extra protection, but added encumbrance that was undesirable in battle.ProvenanceEx-collection Princes Radziwill Bashford Dean Clarence H. Mackay (Roslyn, LI) Purchased by Museum on July 18, 1939 from Jacques Seligmann & C0. (NYC), agents for the estate of Clarence H. Mackay. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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