Left Tasset

Culture English

Dateabout 1640–1645

Mediumsteel

Dimensions25.5 × 31 cm (10 1/16 × 12 3/16 in.), 8 lb 1 oz (weight with breastplate)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1167.4

DescriptionThe one-piece tassets are of trapezoidal form with squarish corners below, curving slightly to the body, and embossed to resemble seven lames, with a single incised line bordering the top "edge" of each. Extending down the center and either side of each is a decorative row of domed iron rivets terminating in triangular groups of three each. The tassets overlap left to right, with the upper inner corner of the right tasset slightly flattened for its neighbor.

While the tassets match,and appear to belong to the breastplate in spite of a less-than-perfect fit, there are noticeable differences in the hasps. These are generally similar with lobed ends riveted to the flange, and pointed or slightly cusped ends below. Numbers one and four (viewed L-R from the front) match, but two and three match neither themselves nor the others. Number two seems to have been a detachable type with an oblong slot for a pierced lug, visible under its rivet. This and number three are secured below to oblong slots cut into the tassets, and secured with large, circular bronze washers. The other rivets are simply peened- or hammered over. These old rivets all seem to be working-life additions.
The breasplate seems to date no later than the 1630s, with slightly later tassets of perhaps circa 1640-45, and all are English. Compare our piece to a nearly identical example in Edinburgh Castle (Ashdown, op. cit.).
Single piece reaching to hips, slightly rounded on the upper half of chest near neck, this with sharp medial ridge. Pivot-hooks & posts for backplate straps. Terminates in a vestigial point below the waist-line. Riveted 1-piece trapezoidal tassets with squarish corners, curving slightly to body, embossed to resemble 7 lames. While tassets appear to match, there are noticable differences in hasps.
ProvenanceEarl of Eglinton (Ayrshire, Scotland) Cyril Andrade (London) probably his no. 16 Theodore Offerman of York Galleries, NYC Purchased by John W. Higgins from Theodore Offerman (York Galleries, NYC) on 27 September 1927. Given to the Armory on 15 December 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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