Left Gauntlet

Date1550–1600

Mediumsteel with black paint and leather

Dimensions33 × 10.5 cm (13 × 4 1/8 in.), 1 lb 8 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsLames are nick-marked once each on the outer edge of the left, and twice on the inner edge of the right. Both cuffs are stamped within, near the opening above with a reversed upper-case "N" within a pearled, circular border. A single punched dot is found on the interior edge of the first three lames below the left cuff. There are punched alignment dots on the L gauntlet knuckle lame and distal metacarpal lame.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1143.4

DescriptionThe gauntlets differ in size, and were originally both for the left hand, one having been re-worked to form a "right" defense. Each consists of a riveted, two-piece, long pointed cuff with an opening that is inwardly turned over a wire core, and file-roped; that on the inside of the wrist is similar, but plain.

The cuff opening is bordered by a shallow, recessed broad white band which is rivet-filled and retains much of the leather lining-band beneath circular washers within. Extending down the face, and tapering as they converge below are three recessed bands; the central of the "right" gauntlet also has a low medial ridge extending across the metacarpal-and knuckle-plates. The cuffs are embossed with a low ellipse for the wristbone; that of the "right" has been recently raised and the original one erased.

Riveted to the lower edge of the cuff is a metacarpal defense of five upwardly-overlapping lames which are pointed at the rivets; the articulation of these lames is quite good. There is a faceted knuckle-plate connected to the above through a boxed, roped rib across the base of the fingers.

The restored finger-scales are embossed "en suite", and riveted to leathers themselves riveted to the knuckle-plate. The lames of the "right", and the deepest layer of leather may be original. The thumb defenses consist of a hinged plate with two scales below, and are attached to the lame above the boxed rib. The "right" gauntlet may belong to the same group as the breastplate.
ProvenanceSaid to have come from the Munich Zeughaus Edmund C. Converse (Greenwich, CT) purchased through Dr. Bashford Dean on 4 January 1912. Purchased by John W. Higgins on 26 November 1927 at the Edmund C. Converse estate sale, American Art Association (NYC); lot 293. Given to the Armory on 21 March 1928. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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