Composite Armor
Cultureprimarily
German
(Augsburg)
Datemid 16th century, with later restorations
Mediumsteel with restored gilding
Dimensions181.6 cm (71 1/2 in.), 52 lb, 3 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1155
DescriptionHelmet (a); Collar (b); Breastplate (c): long-bellied form with waistlame & etched bands down medial line & at either side edge. Backplate (d): 1-piece 19th c. restoration, scooped openings at neck & armpit, cut with straight side edges & shoulder terminals. Tassets (e,f): presently assembled as 1 long laminated defense for each leg. Cuisses (g,h): lacking plates, presently 8 lames each. Greaves with sabatons (i,j). Pauldrons (k,l): restorations to match vambraces. Symmetrical, curved deeply to body & rather boxish in form. Vambraces (m,n): left is 19th c. copy of right. Consists of upper cannon of 2 rotating halves overlapping toward elbow. Linked to hinged cannons through cowter of 3 riveted lames. Gauntlets (o,p): fingered type, with short hinged cuff embossed for wrist-bone. Have embossed & etched band encircling cuff down central face of metacarpal lames;. Lancerest (q). Missing are 2 halves of 2 lames each, etched with Italianate foliation & dolphins; modern.
Grancsay 1961 states that the breastplate, skirt, thigh, and knee defenses are homogenous.
Provenance[Excluding helmet]: M. Henry (Paris, pre 1886, then joined gauntlets to harness without helmet) M. Barré (Paris?, 1886-?) Chevalier Raoul Richards (Rome, to 1890) V.R. Bachereau (Paris; seems to have brought helmet/armor together) George Jay Gould (NYC; part of armor) Duveen Brothers (NYC) Purchased with armour by John W. Higgins on 18 January 1928 from Duveen Brothers (their no. C3177G); Given to Armory on 21 March 1928. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on viewCollections
