Cuirassier's Armor

Unknown

dated 1621; helmet brim and buffe, 19th century · Steel, gold, leather · Arms and Armor

This armor appears to belong to a small group of finely made Dutch armors from the first third of the seventeenth century. The date is found in the decoration of the lowest plates of the poleyns (knee defenses) and reads, ANNO (left); 1621 (right). The helmet’s brim and falling buffe (face defense) are restorations dating from the nineteenth century. Both the breastplate and backplate of this armor were proved, that is, a pistol or musket was fired at them to ensure that they were bulletproof. The resulting dent was then hammered out to leave only a slight depression, which was incorporated into the decoration.

Artist

Unknown

Date

dated 1621; helmet brim and buffe, 19th century

Medium

Steel, gold, leather

Culture

possibly Dutch

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913