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Rare Composite North Italian, Milanese Half-Armour |
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| Catalog#: |
August/September 2006 |
| Category: |
Arms, Armor & Militia |
| Origin: |
Italy |
| Era: |
pre 1600 |
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Comprising heavy close-helmet for the tilt with one-piece skull with low comb and tubular brass plume-holder, visor with single sight with central division, prow-shaped upper-bevor pierced with small ventilation holes on the right, lower-bevor shaped to the chin, wing-nut and steel strap and turning-pin fastenings on the right, the lower edge with a hollow flange for fitting to the gorget, etched with pairs of diagonal lines. The gorget, the latter of three plates front and rear, the top with a prominent turn, cuirass comprising breast-plate of peasecod form with roped turn at the neck, and flanged lower edge, and back-plate with lower flange, struck inside with a mark of a Maltese cross, skirt of a single plate. The later tassets of seven plates each with turned and roped main edge, asymmetrical pauldrons of seven plates each, closed vambraces with turning joints with turning-pin attachments to the pauldrons and heart-shaped couters. The fingered gauntlets with bell-shaped cuffs, etched throughout in the so-called 'Pisan' manner with bands containing strapwork and Classical figures in oval cartouches with later finger and thumb-plates. The etching refreshed in parts and with later gilding, leathers and rivets.
The splendid etched and gilt decoration of this armour consisting of bands of strapwork enclosing classical figures and trophies identifies it as coming from the workshop of one of the last great Milanese armourers Pompeo della Chiesa (recorded 1571-91).
Circa 1590
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