This was sold as a pair of arms. I was a little lucky and the dealer and I knew each other so the description was more honest than many. It could be described as a "rare late 15th c. gothic pair of arms." Actually this is a pair of early 16th c. spaulders with some real repairs, a pair of totally modern vambraces (not even that nice) one late 15th c. elbow and one modern mate made to match.
Two couters circa 1490
A pair of elbows - one is authentic, the other a well made copy. Each of shell form, pointed at the outside of the elbow and with a flare at the inside of the bend of the elbow. The outer surface covered by three stepped flutes on each side and a central squared raised ridge. Each of these is accentuated by an engraved line at the base of the step. The outer edge is decorated by a series of five cusps. The back and inside of the wing are plain. The cops have modern straps and have four holes at the center to secure the cop to the arm. Four holes are usually indicative of laces, but these holes appear to be smaller than would be normal for this. The form, decorative elements and four holes indicate a late 15th century date for the elbow.
Measurements: Elbow thickness varies significantly reflecting the rough interior surface - a few thick areas app. .060, thin areas app. .030. Varies significantly even in spots close to each other often between .040 and 050 in one area of the center. It appears this elbow was shaped roughly and ground to its smooth surface, not hammered to the exact shape.
Weights: elbow: 7.4 ounces (210g). [inv. num. A-214]