July 12-14, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/12/2022
Of characteristic form and acid etched with floral designs on a beaded ground, with a fleur-de-lis under the gorget. 3 main bands of decoration up the center and then offset by 45 degrees depicting open floral scroll, a horn, a griffin, and a swan. Between the main bands of decoration are a pair of vignettes, left depicting a warrior with sword and shield standing at attention, while right side depicts the same warrior with his sword drawn, with an amphora and stylized vase. Interior with fantastic roughage from the hammer and some delamination from age. Accompanied by a 2011 dated letter from Dr. Riccardo Franci from the Stibbert museum in Florence, Italy, indicating that this armor is typical of northern Italian production in the second half of the 16th century, with the Medici guards wearing this style into the 17th century, with some examples from their inventories that match the overall pattern well. CONDITION: Very good, gently cleaned in the European fashion with some spotted inactive oxidation throughout. Etching is very good overall with some areas obfuscated either through over-polishing or oxidation. Reverse is excellent with a smooth chocolate patina and with wonderful texture from the hammer. A good example. EMW