Right Greave
Datefrontplates possibly about 1510, backplate restored
Mediumsteel and brass with leather
Dimensions35 × 10.5 cm (13 3/4 × 4 1/8 in.), 1 lb 8 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.806.12
DescriptionGreaves probably Milanese, c. 1510. Buckles, hinges, turning-pins all restored. Of front- and back plates. Frontplate: edges unrolled. Plate later etched en suite with backplate (foliate tendrils, bordered with double lines) full length of medial rib. Similar treatment of lower, side edges; upper edge fitted with two turning-pins to attach to knee-cop lame. Greave secured by two strap-and-buckle fastenings, near upper and lower edges.
Backplate probably associated, cut down at base. Upper edge turned out; rear and bottom edges later etched similar to general foliate scroll work.
ProvenanceFranz Thill Collection, Vienna (gorget and breastplate, to 1905) S. J. Whawell Frank Gair Macomber, Boston. Helmet: John Long Severance purchase for the Cleveland Museum of Art, exchanged with Bashford Dean (#16) for equestrian armor. Dean acquired the gorget and breastplate from Macomber, having already borrowed and displayed them with the helmet in Metropolitan Museum of Art's 1911 catalogue, #39, pl. XXV). Dean is responsible for the full composed suit, adding his helmet, pauldrons, and Marchat restorations in 1912. Clarence H. Mackay (#A.49-until (?) 1941) Kende Galleries at Gimbel Bros. (1941). Purchased by the Armory on 26 December 1941, from Gimbel Bros./Hammer Galleries (NYC) as suit A-49 of the Mackay estate. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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