December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
This is a well presenting suit of armor that is composited throughout, with the key pieces Italian in nature, circa mid-16th century. The helmet is with good delamination and age, with lower half of visor replaced. Pauldrons are both of appropriate age with roped borders and 5 lames. Some parts of vamplates are period while others are replaced; coutures and gauntlets are later Victorian replacements. Backplate and breastplate are period with roped borders and bosses, and decorated with engraving in the form of a Maltese Cross; similar examples can be seen at the Royal Armouries, as object numbers III.1462, III.126, and III.1461. These breastplates may have come from the Armory of the Knights of St. John, and may share origination with the breastplate on this example. Tassets are slightly later (late-16th) but present well, bosses replaced. Greaves, sabatons, fan plates, and toe protection all of later manufacture. Mannequin is holding a composite sword with a hilt with a that is very similar to an English or German rapier circa early 17th century; for a similar example, see 42.50.12 in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Hilt is decorated with chiseled florals and geometrics, 2 branches form half-rings about the ricasso, with a large ring at the guard, S shaped quillons, and heavily softened engraving ahead of the fuller. Mounted on a fixed mannequin with a red velvet skirt, and a rolling base with bosses and velvet lining. CONDITION: Suit presents well and is homogenous, but period pieces have chipping and delamination throughout, some have gone through the metal, most noticeable on left pauldron and rear comb of helmet. Oxidation and patina throughout, more on recent pieces. Gauntlets are missing fingers. Sword an even chocolate patina. A professional cleaning and remounting should be considered, and would dramatically improve the piece. PROVENNACE: Ex. Lattimer collection. EMW
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.