Breastplate
Culture
German
, possibly from Saxony
Date1545–1550
Mediumsteel and leather
Dimensions38 × 33 × 14 cm (14 15/16 × 13 × 5 1/2 in.), 8 lb 5 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1173.2
DescriptionOf heavy steel, with modern leathers. Boxed form, with rounded peak at mid-height. Pierced for a lance-rest (restored), & fitted with flexible gussets. Lower breast overlapped by riveted waistplate with rounded lobes at side rivets & thrice bracket-cut near center. Level neck & gussets with strong, angular roped turns having roped molding at center. Gussets with squared, tongued buckles (associated?) on restored mounts at top. Breast with recessed ogival frieze at neck, recessed band down along sharp medial line to waistplate. Recessed bands extend angularly from each armpit. All have low medial rib knurled with chisel marks.
Riveted at ends of waistplate flange is scalloped waistlame (probably associated) decorated to match. Pair of modern leathers in new holes on either side near basal edge.
ProvenancePurchased by Museum on July 18, 1939 from Jacques Seligmann & Co. (NYC), agents for estate of Clarence H. Mackay. Paid $500 for suit. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on viewCollections
Desiderius Helmschmid
about 1552
