Lichfield District Council
Breast Plate from Suit of Munition Grade Armour - German Origin Black and White Armour - Produced in Nuremberg - c.1550
This suit of black and white armour was produced in Nuremberg, Germany circa 1550.
This style of armour was known as "munitions grade" armour. It was produced in large quantities and to standardised designs during the 16th and early 17th centuries. This large scale production meant the armour was significantly cheaper to produce than traditional tailor made suits of armour. As a result, large swathes of infantry and cavalry were equipped with this style of armour during the period.
The suit is a composite piece, with the complete suit being made up of pieces from different eras. The torso and upper arm sections are believed to date from roughly 1550. The rear breastplate has been stamped to indicate that it was produced in Nuremberg.
The gauntlets are of later origin, and are believed to date from roughly 1640, and were also likely produced in Southern Germany. The leg sections of the armour are believed to be later Victorian reproductions, added in order to make a more aesthetically pleasing complete suit of armour.
The suit of armour is constructed of interlocking steel plates, held together by leather straps with brass buckles. The Cuirass is decorated with bands of lighter polished armour set against unpolished, dark areas. This style of decoration is typical of the "black and white" style armour of the 16th century.
The suit comprises of the following individual pieces:
A Burgonet style helmet with a protruding peak above an open face. Two cheek flaps hang either side of the helmet and are tied by leather straps. A low crest runs along the top of the helmet and terminates in a plume support at the helmet's rear.
A Gorget, protecting the neck and shoulders is attached by harnessing to articulated Spaulders, which protect the upper arm.
A Cuirass with breastplate and backplate (protecting the torso). The breastplate has a medial ridge which rises to a point over the stomach and is decorated with a black and white style design. The backplate features a matching design and has been stamped to indicate it was manufactured in Nuremberg.
Each leg is made up of four pieces of armour: A long, articulated Cuisse (thigh and upper leg guard) which attach to the base of the Cuirass, Poleyn (knee guard), Greave (lower leg and calf guard) and articulated Sabatons (foot guards).
The suit also features two Bridle Gauntlets, which protect the hands.
Breast Plate from Suit of Munition Grade Armour - German Origin Black and White Armour - Produced in Nuremberg - c.1550
This suit of black and white armour was produced in Nuremberg, Germany circa 1550.
This style of armour was known as "munitions grade" armour. It was produced in large quantities and to standardised designs during the 16th and early 17th centuries. This large scale production meant the armour was significantly cheaper to produce than traditional tailor made suits of armour. As a result, large swathes of infantry and cavalry were equipped with this style of armour during the period.
The suit is a composite piece, with the complete suit being made up of pieces from different eras. The torso and upper arm sections are believed to date from roughly 1550. The rear breastplate has been stamped to indicate that it was produced in Nuremberg.
The gauntlets are of later origin, and are believed to date from roughly 1640, and were also likely produced in Southern Germany. The leg sections of the armour are believed to be later Victorian reproductions, added in order to make a more aesthetically pleasing complete suit of armour.
The suit of armour is constructed of interlocking steel plates, held together by leather straps with brass buckles. The Cuirass is decorated with bands of lighter polished armour set against unpolished, dark areas. This style of decoration is typical of the "black and white" style armour of the 16th century.
The suit comprises of the following individual pieces:
A Burgonet style helmet with a protruding peak above an open face. Two cheek flaps hang either side of the helmet and are tied by leather straps. A low crest runs along the top of the helmet and terminates in a plume support at the helmet's rear.
A Gorget, protecting the neck and shoulders is attached by harnessing to articulated Spaulders, which protect the upper arm.
A Cuirass with breastplate and backplate (protecting the torso). The breastplate has a medial ridge which rises to a point over the stomach and is decorated with a black and white style design. The backplate features a matching design and has been stamped to indicate it was manufactured in Nuremberg.
Each leg is made up of four pieces of armour: A long, articulated Cuisse (thigh and upper leg guard) which attach to the base of the Cuirass, Poleyn (knee guard), Greave (lower leg and calf guard) and articulated Sabatons (foot guards).
The suit also features two Bridle Gauntlets, which protect the hands.