Heavy Cuirassier Harness Armor, 16th Century, Currently the suit is unassembled in nine pieces. Breast plate measuring approximately 14-inches [19-inches at its widest]; back plate with lower protective plates measuring approximately 19-inches overall [19 1/2-inches at its widest]. Gorget present, about 13-inches wide. Pauldron, couter, vambrance and gauntlets are present and measures roughly 32-inches overall per side from neck to fingers when put together. Complete gauntlets, fully articulated lames with riveted borders. Cuisse, fan-plate and poleyn also present and while attached measure approximately 29-inch overall. Finely detailed and nicely turned elements scattered throughout. A great example true to detail and with the armor working as designed with articulated arms, elbows and partial leg joints. No visible maker's marks. Sold without a sword. Internal parts hammered and fitted with rivets. Note: According to research, Suits of Armor of the sixteenth century followed civilian fashion, and for a time, codpieces were a prominent addition to the best full suits. Consignor notes state; "This was a harness that was used in combat by Royalist forces and was taken from the field of battle by Parliamentary units under Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War in the 1640's. It was placed in a vault in the Tower of London and remained there for over 300 years, when it was found and partially restored by armourers in 1961 and then sold. It is the only complete and orignal combat harness from Elizabethan times that I know of for sale. I have had it for over 40 years and have used it in the school system giving lectures on Mediaeval times. I obtained this harness from Brian Michael Powers, who had a a very high end arms, armor and ancient artifact business in Los Gatos, California." Photocopy of consignor notes regarding this armor is included. Provenance, Ex. Brian Michael Powers. Condition: Very good as configured; restored. Cleaned at some point. Various replaced parts. Light surface rust and patches of pitting present, moderately concentrating to moving elements, including the gorget, breastplate and backplate area. Some period repairs [replacement screws] and separations present. Suit needs proper mounting to display properly. Modern leather straps present. From the Sylver Schaller Collection. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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