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LOT 1258
- Composed of some original early 16th century
pieces and some later-made components, the entire
harness is in the Maximilian style with some original
elements. The highly desirable, triple comb fluted
helm is attributed to Ernst Schmidt. The helm is
composed of a one-piece skull, a one-piece visor, and
a one-piece bevor with floral bosses at the visor pivot
point. The visor is held in place by a spring loaded
hook with a button release. The bevor does not have
a latching mechanism. The inside of the helmet has
a black protective painted finish and there is a ferule
on the rear of the skull fitted with a black plume. The
left pauldron is partially original with a few original
lames and a patch on the front. The pauldrons have
raised gardbraces and there is a large bolt with a
wingnut on the right for attaching a reinforcing
exchange piece (absent). The left elbow couter is
original and the right elbow couter has a detachable
wing. The cuffs of the mitten style gauntlets are
original and the knuckles are roped. The cod piece
has embossed “flutes”. The knee poleyns are winged.
The sabatons are the bear paw style and have a slot
at the rear for spurs. Holds a 91 inch long Swiss 17th
century halberd with a yellow velvet covered angular
oak studded shaft with a cross shaped maker’s stamp.
Stands 70 inches tall x 27 inches wide x 18 inches
deep without halberd and has a dark stained wooden
base that measures 19 1/2 inches tall x 21 inches
wide x 21 inches deep.
CONDITION: Good, some elements have only a few
small areas of pitting, while others have minor pitting
overall. The skull has a series of small oxidation holes
with some small weld repairs overall. The top “bellow”
of the visor has some minor cracking at the point.
The left pauldron has some relatively heavy pitting
on the rear. The backplate has three 1 1/2 inch long
cracks and some dings at the bottom edge. This
highly desirable, Maximilian style harness would
make a fantastic display piece in a museum or
your home!
Provenance: The William Ashby Collection;
A Private Collection.
Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000
Attractive and Highly Desirable Composite
Harness of Maximilian Style Armour
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