Three-Quarter Field Armor
Culture
European
Dateprobably late 1800s, in the style of 1550–1575
MediumSteel with gilding, iron and brass with modern leather and restorations
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.864
DescriptionThe authenticity of the backplate and thus the earlier dating of "1552" has been questioned. The greaves are North Italian (Milan), about 1575, by Pompeo della Cesa (recorded 1571-93) or his workshop.Many components have deep lines running across, evidently intended as guidelines for embossing or etching. The execution of much of the etching is heavy, perhaps recut or refreshed.
The gauntlets and tassets may be connected to each other.
Preliminary findings by Dr. Alan Williams (Cambridge University, UK) of metallurgy of Higgins Armory Museum items, based on tests conducted in the Fall of 1998, with comments provided on 23 February 1999: Steels hardened by slack-quenching. Associated greaves of north Italian origin were not examined. Surface hardness of breastplate varies from 180 to 250 VPH.
Approximate dimensions as mounted: 70" H, 29" W, 17" D.
Label TextThe decorative bands of this armor contain various figures from classical mythology as well as from Biblical stories. A depiction of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac is on the breastplate below the neck. The meaning of the letters IGN on the helmet is uncertain, but they may stand for "In Gottes Namen" (In God's Name), a motto used by Austrian prince Friedrich von Khitliss during an imperial tournament held in Vienna in 1560.ProvenanceEx-collections: Victor Binder (Copenhagen) Christie's (London) Mr. Coureau unknown location S.J. Whawell (England) Clarence H. Mackay (Roslyn, L.I.). According to Grancsay notes in the MMA archives Mackay purchased the harness and greaves from Whawell in 1924. Purchased by Museum on April 1, 1940 from Jacques Seligmann & Co. (NYC), agents for Clarence H. Mackay estate, dealer's no. A-21/107. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
Northern German
1540–1560
Italian
late 1500s–early 1600s, with later decoration and additions
Desiderius Helmschmid
about 1552