Composite Three-Quarter Field Armor

Culture Austrian or

Culture German

Dateearly 1600s

Mediumsteel and iron with modern leather

Dimensions57 lb, 11 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1163

Descriptionin the "Hungarian" fashion
Label TextThe increasing use of pistols and other hand-held firearms caused armor to be made thicker and therefore heavier in an attempt to be bullet-proof. This harness is an example of such a type. Note the round dents on the helmet and breastplate; these are "proof marks" indicated that the piece was shot at while in the armorerer's shop in order to demonstrate that it was bullet-proof. The lower half of the breastplate is made of separate 'lames,' individual plates that provided freer movement, much like the armor of a lobster's tail. Thicker plates meant greater weight, so the less necessary components such as the iron arm and leg defences were omitted and replaced with lighter leather sleeves and boots.ProvenanceArchduke Eugen's Armory, Fortress Hohenwerfen, Salzburg, Austria purchased by John W. Higgins on March 5, 1927 from Anderson Galleries (NY), their # 1064. Given to the Museum on March 1, 1929. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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