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Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Backplate
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Image © Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Backplate

Dateabout 1580
Mediumsteel with etching and gilding, iron, brass, leather fragments and modern leather with restorations
Dimensions3 lb 3 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsInterior painted number.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.660.4
DescriptionBackplate is ensuite, formed to the shoulders, with detachable single lame culet held with turning pins. Scalloping as on breastplate. Traces of leather lining remain. Both backplate and culet have been expanded to fit a larger body at the side seams, apparently a working-life alteration. Also en suite, formed to the shoulders. Gilt, hinged adjustable shoulder straps. Brass side posts (modern) for hinges of breastplate. Flange scalloped, fitted with turning-pins for single-lame associated culet (lame). This is recurving, with roped edge. Both mainplate and culet have riveted extension plates at the flanks (likely a working-life alteration).
Provenance(Possibly) Herberstein family, Eggenberg Castle (possibly) M. Bachereau (Paris) Mr. Oliver H. P. Belmont (NYC) ex-collection Mr. Clarence H. Mackay (Roslyn, L.I.). Purchased by the Museum through Jacques Seligmann & Co. (NYC), agents for the estate of Clarence H. Mackay on 1 April 1940. Their number A-14/104. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
Michel Witz the Younger
about 1530
Michel Witz the Younger
about 1530
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Northern Italian
primarily 1510–1520
Conservation Status: After Treatment
European
1800s, using some old components
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Desiderius Helmschmid
1548
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Franz Großschedel
1560–1570
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Italian
late 16th–early 17th century, with decoration from 19th century
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Northern German
1555–1560