Breastplate 1520
German. Deep, full globose form. Moveable gussets at the arm holes. Large, aggressively tapered, boldly roped (with double engraved lines) inward turned rolls at the neck and arms. The roll at the neck changes direction at the center. Tall waist lame. The surface mostly covered in vertical flutes each accented with parallel lines radiating from the bottom. There is a plain band at the top below the roped edge. The breastplate pierced with a pair of holes for a lance rest. The lance rest is secured to the breast with two bolts (one lost). The lance rest is hinged to allow it to be flipped up out of the way when not in use. One buckle remains at the top of the left gusset. There are two round punch marks in the center of breastplate. One is just below the roll, the other at the base. These are often present and appear to be registration marks helping in the forming of the piece. Small signs of delamination. Small areas of pitting. Heavy hammer marks on the interior. These include some interesting marks which show that the maker "got lost" making some of the flutes.
The waist lame is described as associated and the lance rest as restored in the TDM sale entry. There is no mention of the lance rest or association of the waist lame in the Parke-Bernet entry, but the description is very minimal and the lot is not illustrated. Inspection confirms the patch in the waist lame and I think that the waist lame is probably slightly re-worked to fit the breastplate. The patch is modern. The lance rest is well made and functions, but it does appear to be later, confirming the DelMar description. The bolt securing it may be original, though associated.
Measurements: Thickness: (highly variable) generally 0.10 at the center and 0.06 under the arms.
Provenance: William Randolph Hearst sold December 4 1952 lot 135 Parke-Bernet Galleries later sold June 27 2012 Thomas DelMar lot 394 .
Measurements: Weight: 6 pounds 2.4 ounces (2785g)
If you have any questions, please send them to Wade Allen
This site last updated Mon Jan 19 14:29:21 EST 2026