Two Gauntlets 1520
Very similar, but likely not a pair. Each of mitten form, the back of hand formed of three small plates and one larger plate which connects to the knuckle plate. Fingers covered by four plates. Cuff of an inner and outer plate hinged at the outside and secured by a pin at the inside. Base of the thumb covered by a large plate drawn up to a triangular point with a pair of flutes on the outside. Thumb covered by three scale plates. Thumb secured to the metacarpal by a hinge. Overall fluted in typical Maximillian fashion wih 5 full flutes and bordered by a half flute on each side. All flutes accented with parallel engraved lines. Each cuff marked externally with four punch marks. These are usually arsenal marks to help keep pairs/sets together. End of the cuff and terminal plate with inward turned plain rolls. Wrist with small ourward turned plain roll. Hinges stamped with radial decorative marks. The gauntlets displayed with RA II.179 in 2023 are similar in many ways including the single flute in the middle of the cuff border, hinged cuff, and (particularly interesting) the flutes in the knuckle plates. These gauntlets are not part of the armor as photographed in the 1960s for "European Armour in the Tower of London" plate XVI. Fingers composed of four plates are atypical. CH S89 a right gauntlet in Churburg is built this way. It also has four back of hand plates. The knuckle plate is different, being roped.
Thickness: Generally between .025 and .035 in. Thickest spot found is .050 and thinnest is .011. Generally plates vary +-.005 in.
Weight: Right 12.8 ounces (360g), Left 12.6 ounces (355g).
If you have any questions, please send them to Wade Allen
This site last updated Wed Jul 09 21:38:05 EDT 2025