Breastplate 1510-20
Italian fluted in a German style. Formed with a deep globose shape. Rolled at the neck with a large, angular inward turn. Arm holes bordered by gussets which are formed with a flare with the edge bent back, not a full roll. The waist is flared for a fauld. The center of the breastplate is fluted with a series of parallel vertical flutes terminated by a recessed band at the top and bottom. All of the flutes are accentuated by engraved lines. Marked below the center of the neck hole with a maker's mark - possibly a crowned crossbow bolt. Given the thickness this breastplate was most likely intended for infantry or light cavalry use with later holes for a lance rest. Two later internal patches. Fauld lames missing. Similar breastplates are preserved in the Museo Stibbert Florence (cat. no. 5) which is more complex and has roped rolls, Windsor castle, Mendlesham church in Suffolk, England, the Cleveland Museum of Art (with roped rolls on the gussets, inv. num. 1916.1640), Art Institute of Chicago (part of infantry armor dated 1510-15 inv. 1982.2427b-f) and the Schweizerisches Landesmuseum, Zurich - which is very similar, displayed in the arms drill display with other early 16th c. infantry armour.
Measurements: 14in. (35.5 cm.) high, 11 1/2 in. wide across the gussets, 13 in. wide under the arms, 11 in. wide at the waist, gusset flares app. 5/8 in. tall, center of roll at the neck app. 3/4 in. on each side of the triangle, tapering to 3/8 in. tall and just folded over at the end.
Thickness: .050 in. at the side, mostly .070-.080 in the center. Gussets vary significantly - .040-.080 in. There does not seem to be a particular pattern to the variation.
Weight 4 pounds 2.8 ounces (1895 g).
If you have any questions, please send them to Wade Allen
This site last updated Mon Dec 27 11:29:14 EST 2021