Right Gauntlet

Culture German

Dateprobably late 1800s, in the style of 1550–1575

Mediumsteel with gilding, iron, brass and modern leather

Dimensions30.5 × 13 cm (12 × 5 1/8 in.), 1 lb, 2 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.864.17

DescriptionConsists of cuff of a single plate; 6 lames underlapping toward the knuckleplate; knuckleplate; baseplate for the fingers; and fingerlames. Thumbplate on L does not fit well, and has lost its thumblames; that on the R has been lost entirely. The articulation is excellently executed.

Both cuff plates have unused holes around the cuff opening, and a pair of unused holes at the top (perhaps for securing the leather gauntlet. The former holes may suggest recycling.

Everything beyond the knuckle ridge on both gauntlets is a restoration postdating the main work of the harness. The R has probably been restored more recently than the L, as the finger plates are brass.
ProvenanceEx-collections: Mr. Victor Binder (Copenhagen) Christie's (London) Mr. Coureau unknown location Mr. S.J. Whawell (England) Mr. 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.

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