Right Cowter

Culture Northern German , perhaps Saxony

Date1550–1560

MediumEtched and blackened steel

Dimensions20 × 23 × 18 cm (7 7/8 × 9 1/16 × 7 1/16 in.), 1 lb 4 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1147.8

DescriptionThe couter is earlier, and closely resembles that found on an armour dated 1544 in the collection of HRH The Duke of Brunswick and Luneburg (see Mann, Exhibition…, # 9, plts III, V), in overall form, candelabra motifs and triple-ticks at the central face of the roped edge. There is a transversely embossed rib extending from the inner bend well around the outer face well around the back. Decoration includes file-marking of the inwardly-turned edges, bordered in turn with a single sunken band etched with undulating foliate tendrils and cornucopia on a blackened, granular ground, in turn edged by a slightly raised rim. The rib has an elliptical, etched cartouche within thin, etched and blackened borders, and is decorated with a candelabrum motif of foliate tendrils. There is a copper-braised repair at the point of the elbow, where the etching seems to have been re-done at a later date.
ProvenanceSaid to be from the Dresden Museum and Erich Haenel of Dresden Galleries ex-collection of Dr. Bashford Dean (his #11) purchased by John Higgins on 28 September 1929. Given to the Armory on 15 December 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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