We just got this piece in. It is a Maximillian style right leg circa1520-30s. Its in great condition and the level of detail on it is amazing . Every flute/ridge is bordered on either side by lightly chisleld lines.

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detail of raised ridges

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outside of leg [ Download ]

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inside of leg [ Download ]

The detail on that piece is brilliant. What does the strap attachment hardware look like?

The straps ( theres only one left and its for a buckle ) are held in place with rivets and rough cut circular (ish) washers .
The buckle is attached to the leather via a piece of thin steel that is slotted for the buckle tounge and then folded over and riveted through the leather strap ( in other words the leather isn't actually attached tho the buckle its attached to the piece of steel that holds the buckle) . All the articulating rivets are slotted and even with two of them gunk soldered in place (old grease/oil collects dust and grit ,dries out and jambs up rivets some times .It breaks up with liberal applications of BreakFree)the articulation is perfect !

Another great acquisition, Allan! You sure manage to find some nice pieces out there...

BTW, my perenial question... any indication of linings? Are the upper rivet/arming nail washers over anything (cloth, leather), or just bare metal under them? And are the washers square, as usual in later armours? ;o)

Thanks!

Gordon

Gordon the washers are roundish and were cut and then filed to thier shape.They vary slightly from one to the next in shape some being a little larger than others or alittle oval in shape rather than round(ish) and some having the hole to accept the rivet a little off center . You see this instead of the typical square or hexagonal rough cut ones(munitions armour)on fine custom commisioned armours . Under the uppermost washers of the top plate of the cuisse are the little washers of leather that are all the remains of the leather that would have been used to tie the leg through arming points in the arming coat . These leather washers are also to be found under the steel washers where strapping would go .

Good information, thanks Allan! It only stands to reason that with a superb armour such as this came from that there would be little extra finishing touches, like rounded washers, that the run-or-the-mill munitions grade stuff would skip. Handy having a few apprentices and journeymen to do the little things! Thanks for the details on the leather for arming points, etc.

I look forward with interest to your next acquisition!

Cheers!

Gordon

That is really sweet! While the Maximillian styles tend to run late in period for my main interests, they still are pieces I absolutely love.