Backplate

Date1550–1600

Mediumsteel and leather

Dimensions42 × 41 × 20 cm (16 9/16 × 16 1/8 × 7 7/8 in.), 4 lb 12 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsXX marked in white paint on the inside. The frieze at the neck is stamped to the right of the medial area with the mark found on the breast (but a deeper, slipped punch) and on the same level over the left shoulder with an anchor-like mark. See photos in digital file.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1152.4

DescriptionOf one piece, boxed in form, of very light steel, with file-roped edges at neck and armpits inwardly turned over a wire core. These areas are embossed so as to produce ogival, sunken friezes with the cusps oriented towards the center of the lower back.The shoulderblade region is slightly dished out.

Extending from each armpit and forming a medial ridge from a point about 3 inches above the waist, is a single, low embossed ridge terminating slightly above the waist itself transversely incised with a thin single line. These ridges seem to be post-contemporary. The integral basal flange seems to have been reworked along its edge, perhaps cutting away holes for an internal leather at the medial line. The single-lame, cusped loin guard is associated, but apparently contemporary, and is secured to the flange terminals by means of dome-headed rivets.

The backplate is attached to the breastplate by shoulder and waist straps.There is a double-hole at the center top for lacing.

There are some patternings in the surface that suggest that the piece sat back-downward in moisture at some point.
ProvenanceSir Guy F. Laking (England - pre-1907) Clarence H. Mackay (Roslyn, L.I.) Jacques Seligmann & Co., Inc. Bought by the Armory from the estate of Clarence Mackay through Jacques Seligman and Co., Inc. (NYC) on 9 November 1940 (their A-48) Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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