Loading, please wait...

Post Medieval Spanish 'Conquistador' Cuirass Set Post Medieval Spanish 'Conquistador' Cuirass Set Post Medieval Spanish 'Conquistador' Cuirass Set Post Medieval Spanish 'Conquistador' Cuirass Set Post Medieval Spanish 'Conquistador' Cuirass Set Post Medieval Spanish 'Conquistador' Cuirass Set Post Medieval Spanish 'Conquistador' Cuirass Set Post Medieval Spanish 'Conquistador' Cuirass Set Post Medieval Spanish 'Conquistador' Cuirass Set
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

LOT 0282

Post Medieval Spanish 'Conquistador' Cuirass Set

17TH CENTURY A.D.

16 3/4 in. (3.3 kg, 42.5 cm high).

The breastplate with pronounced vertical rib and two rivets to front, roll at neck and splay at base with rivets to full perimeter, with inked accession numbers '21238A' (crossed through) and 'SDM - EW1' above '1931 - 30 - 6, a' and inked handwritten paper label reading 'Old Spanish Armour (Conquistador) / Found with remains of Spanish Galleon on / the estate of Leakin family (Georgia) coast. / about 1870. Refer to Trinity College Hertford Ct. / for information in Leakin family. / Given originally to Mrs Mark Howden (Hartford Ct.) / [ ] when I was 7 years old. / Luke W Lee 1944' in eight lines and also with chalked 'Old Spanish Armour / from Georgia 1944' inscription in two lines; the backplate generally matching but with vertical groove at centre and no splay at base, with inked accession numbers '31238B' (crossed through) and 'SDM - EW1' above '1951 - 30 - 6, b'. [2]

Provenance

From a Southern Californian museum, with accession numbers.
Ex American collector.
Acquired from TimeLine Auctions, UK, 2018, lot 181.
The Kusmirek Collection, UK.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.204020.

Literature

See Calvert, F., Spanish Arms and Armour, Madrid, 1907, for discussion; see also de Hoffmeyer, A., Arms and Armour in Spain, 1982.

Footnotes

Trinity College, Hartford was founded in 1823; further research in their archives could provide more information on this cuirass set and the site of the 'Spanish galleon' shipwreck discovered in about 1870.

CONDITION
VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process


AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0282

Post Medieval Spanish 'Conquistador' Cuirass Set

Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,510

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Luristan Bronze Hilted Dirk
    Luristan Bronze Hilted Dirk
    Circa 1000 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £715

    The blade with a tapering profile, triangular in overall form, with square shoulders, penannular guard with strong midrib, flanged hilt with straight grip, widening slightly into a fan-shaped pommel. 363 grams, 47.5 cm



    Acquired from Alan Cherry, Bournemouth, UK. Ex Alexander Cotton collection, Hampshire, UK 1980s.

    These types of short sword or dirks were usually cast in one piece, and the penannular rib in relief was cast on at the same time with the handle of the blade. In some cases, however, the penannular rib was later cast on the dagger, possibly to strengthen a weak point at the junction of hilt and blade. The flanged hilt was originally filled with organic material like bone.

    Lot Details

  • Amarlu Type Bronze Short Sword
    Amarlu Type Bronze Short Sword
    Late 2nd millennium B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,755

    Composed of a massive triangular blade with a slightly raised mid-rib flanked by three parallel rows on each side, the guard formed with a pronounced trident shape, ornamented with small geometric square recesses, the hilt with square-section grip incised with four vertical rows of similar square recesses, double broad crescentic open pommel surmounted by a broad raised median rib which links the double crescentic halves; repaired. 911 grams, 53 cm

    One horn cracked and repaired

    Acquired 1970s-1980s. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

    Moorey, analysing similar swords found in Amarlu, stated that the blade and tang were made first, forged to shape by hammering at a high temperature. The next step was to cover the tang with a clayed material. Once dry, this material formed the core for the casting. Then a hollow mould of the exact shape of the shoulder, grooved hilt and pommel was made around the clay core covering the tang. Finally, liquid metal was poured into the mould. The weapon was then finished by hammering the pommel and shoulder to the hilt.

    Lot Details

  • Mongol Silver Belt Mount Group
    Mongol Silver Belt Mount Group
    13th century A.D.

    Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £89

    Each with a broader scooped edge tapering to a volute flourish, pellets adorning the perimeter, three medial circular dimples, fourth dimple to the scrolled end, against a field of foliate scrolls and niello fill; each with a set of mounting lugs to the reverse. 25.7 grams total, 40-41 mm

    Fine condition.

    Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.

    Similar plaques have been found in the burial graves of Mongol commanders and their wives, probably once part of a waist belt from which the sabre and other weapons were hanging. They were found together with arms, unique elements of the costume of fabric and leather, and splendid jewellery of gold and silver.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list