Page 246 - 4096-BOOK2

LOT 1256
- This attractive harness is
composed of some original 16th
and 17th century components and
is assembled in primarily a 16th
century Northern Italian and German
style. The Gothic style sallet helm is
of two-piece welded construction
with some decorative brass floral
rivets by the ears and a one-piece
visor. The two-piece riveted bevor
is held on with leather thong and
has a falling buff held in place by a
spring loaded button. The pauldrons
are original Italian components from
the last quarter of the 16th century
with a pin and threaded hole on the
left side for a reinforcing tournament
piece. A pair of besagues are fitted
and appear to be later components.
The vambraces are a pair and are
original late 16th/early 17th century
components. The breastplate is from
the last half of the 17th century with
later added roping on the edges.
The Austrian/German cuirassier back
plate is of shot proof weight from
the first quarter of the 17th century.
The left elbow is of German origin
and original to the last quarter of the
16th century. The fully articulated
finger gauntlets have authentic 16th
century Italian cuffs. The left tasset
is from a high quality tilting harness
circa 1560 with engrailing on the
inside edge and the right tasset has
been made to match by a talented
craftsman. The cuisses have a Gothic
embossed pattern, decorative
scalloped winged knee poleyns and
plain greaves. The sabatons have
short curved toe spikes. Includes
a hand and a half sword with 34
inch blade and black painted brass
quillons and pommel. The harness
stands 69 inches tall x 29 inches
wide x 19 inches deep. There is a
black painted wooden base that
measures 12 inches tall x 18 1/2
inches wide x 18 1/2 inches deep.
CONDITION: Good, there is mild
pitting overall with several areas of
moderate pitting. The helmet has
repaired false damage. There are
some scattered minor cracks, dings
and dents. There are some later
elements that have been added to
fill in the harness. The breast plate
has some minor holes and cracks
along the neckline. The lames
above the left elbow cop have a
moderate repair. The tasset has been
scoured. The wooden base is good
with a large crack across the top.
This attractively assembled harness
includes many original components
and would be a fantastic addition to
your collection!
Provenance: The William Ashby
Collection; A Private Collection.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
Composite Harness of Italian/German
Style 16th and 17th Century Armor
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