Poleyn for the Right Knee with Extension Plate

Cultureprobably Italian

Dateabout 1400–1420

Mediumsteel

Dimensionspoleyn: 15.2 × 11.4 × 15.2 cm (6 × 4 1/2 × 6 in.), 9 oz (weight)
extension plate:12.7 × 12.7 × 7.6 cm (5 × 5 × 3 in.), 8 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.909

DescriptionFairly thick steel, excavated condition. Mainlame with integral sidewing, & 2 narrow articulated lames below, overlapping away. The main lame arches outward over the face of the knee where it is drawn into low medial points above & below, with low ridge extending onto laminations. Traces of surface iridescence over the patella suggest later heat-treatment to correct deformation or re-work defense (perhaps from a failed modern attempt to repair this damaged area?). Vertical inner edge of mainlame with flush rivets at ends, on top set of which articulate preserved lames. Vertically centered on ridge is rivet for leather behind knee. Moderate-sized plain sidewing, fairly flat heart-shape with shallow "v"-shaped pucker. At base is domed rivet with internal washers for other end of knee-strap. Outer set of articulating rivets also domed.

Pair of narrow lames above the mainplate overlap away from the mainplate. They are narrow, deepening slightly at mid-length as they dip toward the medial line. Ends cut as blunted points & articulate on sliding-rivets on the lower edge. The rivets of the lame above the main-plate have large, flat, circular heads within; those of the lame above are fitted with flat, oblong washers (that of the inner terminal is lost).

Overall dimensions with extension plate: 24 cm H x 14 cm W x 11 cm D
Label TextThe overlapping plates on pieces like this kneeguard allowed the joints to move freely: the plates slid over each other without actually exposing the knee underneath. The heart-shaped extension provided some protection for the back of the knee, which was one of the more vulnerable spots on a knight's armor. Parts of the body that flexed inward (like the hollow of the knee) or that touched the horse (like the inside of the legs) couldn't be covered with plate armor, though they usually had backup protection of mail underneath.ProvenanceRhodes Beshiklash his brother in Paris Louis R. Bachereau Bashford Dean Purchased by John W. Higgins on September 28, 1929 from estate of Bashford Dean (Riverdale, NY), odd lot #3. Given to the Museum on January 8, 1947. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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