Right Tasset

Culture Southern German , Nuremberg

Date1550–1600

Mediumsteel and leather

Dimensions41 × 24 × 9.5 cm (16 1/8 × 9 7/16 × 3 3/4 in.), 2 lb 8 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1149.5

DescriptionThese are a pair, and belong with the breastplate. The left element is described for both. Of seven upwardly overlapping deep lames that are curved to the thigh and taper slightly towards the knee. Except for the terminal plate, all lames are of uniform depth and squared at the unfinished ends, save the top two which are curved and bluntly pointed, with inward, roped turns. The uppermost lame has a pair of oblong, tongued iron buckles, possibly once tinned. As on the fauld, there is a third hole between the buckles that has been filled.

The terminal lame has a curved basal edge that deepens to the medial point. The edge is boxed, file-roped and inwardly turned followed by a broad, shallow-recessed plain band. At the ends of the terminal lame and that immediately above are leather loops (most of them modern) for cloth tapes to secure the tasset to the leg.

All lames work on a pair of leathers (some old) and sliding rivets at the outer sides.
ProvenanceAnonymous Eastern European collection Bashford Dean Purchased by John W. Higgins on November 23, 1928 from American Art Association (NY), lot no. 145 (Dean armor sale). Given to the Museum on December 31, 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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