A FINE SUIT OF BLACK AND WHITE ARMOR

A FINE SUIT OF BLACK AND WHITE ARMOR
Very well maintained and retaining a smooth, black surface alternating with elaborately etched bands of vinework in bright steel throughout. Comprising a characteristic burgonet with two-piece combed skull, hinged cheeks, neck-lames and plumeholder. The broad gorget of six pivoting plates with rolled border. Breastplate with central ridge and panels of vegetal etching, including a Reichsadler, or double-headed eagle, suggesting the owner was an Elector or Duke of the Holy Roman Empire. The backplate etched en suite, connecting to the breastplate with locking catches and a waist belt. With complete arm defenses, the pauldrons with two upper plates and flared rims, the upper canons of four lames, the inner arms protected by the winged couters, the lower canons with rolled edges. The well-articulated gauntlets composed of eight plates in addition to the fingers. The tassets composed of six plates, each with rare squared lower edge. Each cuisse composed of two plates, each knee cop constructed of five plates with wings. The finely formed greaves with sprung catches, the multiple-lame sabatons of kuhmaul or cowmouth style with expanded toe, following the fashion of the first half of the 16th century. Mounted on an oak base with square plinth. Middle of the 16th century. General wear, legs associated in period, period repairs to helmet and greaves, fingers restored and repaired, finger leather friable, some straps replaced, black finish rubbed, etching worn in areas. Overall height on base 200cm. Condition III