Right "Mitten" Gauntlet

Culture German

Datecuffs probably about 1530, remainder 1800s

Mediumsteel and leather

Dimensions27 × 11 cm (10 5/8 × 4 5/16 in.), 13 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1166.17

DescriptionEach is formed by tubular cuff made in two halves, four metacarpal plates, three finger plates, and in the case of the left gauntlet a thumb defense of three scales.

The CUFFS, of short tubular form with straight upper edges, were not originally made as a pair. Each is formed of a reworked outer plate and a slightly shorter restored inner plate. The latter is secured within the former by a pair of round-headed rivets at each side. Attached within the upper edges each gauntlet by a series of round-headed rivets with circular washers is a modern leather lining-band. The outer plate of each cuff is pierced near its center with a modern hole. These at one time served to incorrectly attach the gauntlets to the vambraces 2588.g & h. The outer plate of each cuff is overlapped at its lower edge of a series of four upward-overlapping metacarpal plates which are in turn overlapped by a series of three upward-overlapping finger-plates. The plates are connected to one another at each side by round-headed rivets with circular internal washers. The upper corners of each plate are lobed at the articulating points. The fourth metacarpal plate, which is considerably longer than those above it, projects downwards at the front of its lower edge to receive a thumb defense. The surviving left thumb defense is formed of three downward overlapping scales attached to an underlying leather strip. The last scale has a round end, embossed with a thumbnail. The upper ends of the finger lames are in each case decorated over the knuckles with a bold transverse rib. The ribs of the second and third lames are merely file-roped, whereas that of the first lame is roped in relief. The outer edges of the metacarpal and finger plates, as well as the distal end of the last finger plate are bordered internally by leather lining-bands. These are retained both by the articulating rivets of the metacarpal and finger plates, and by dedicated lining-rivets, mostly of round-headed form with circular internal washers. Attached at each side of the fourth metacarpal plate by an externally flush rivet is a buff leather loop, presumably for a lace that helped to secure the gauntlet to a mannequin. Attached at each side of the third finger lame by similar rivet is a strap that passed across the inside of the fingers. That of the right gauntlet is now represented only by its outer ends.

The upper edge of the cuff and the lower edge of the last finger lame of each gauntlet bear file-roped inward turns. These are bordered by pairs of recessed bands of which the outer ones are considerably wider than the inner ones and separated from them by raised ribs enclosed by pairs of incised lines.

The outer of the pairs of recessed bands are etched with running foliage on a stippled ground lacking its blacking.

The gauntlets are bright with a light patina overall.
ProvenanceStadtrath Richard Zschille (Grossenhain, Saxony) Oliver H.P. Belmont (New York and Newport) Clarence H. Mackay (died 1939) Purchased by Museum on April 1, 1940 from Jacques Seligmann & Co. (NYC), agents for estate of Clarence H. Mackay, dealer's no. A-41/114. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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