Impressive Italian Deep Bellied Breastplate Circa 1540

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Impressive Italian Deep Bellied Breastplate Circa 1540:
$8800.00

IMPRESSIVEITALIAN DEEP BELLIED BREASTPLATE CIRCA 1540:From 1540 to 1560, the breastplate developedby the Italians hada“deep-bellied form”such as this example. They are highly sought out by collectors and rare in the marketplace. This is the only example of this type I have had in 40 years.

Description:Masterfully constructed with a deep sphericalbellied one-piece main plate,roping at the edgesturning inwardswith movable gussets at the arm openings.Holes at the waist plate to attach a fauld of four lames, possibly original or working life.Arsenal inventory control #Y17in red ink on thebackside.
Condition:Museum quality.
Introduction: Breastplates emulated the form and fashion of the contemporary civilian doublet (a man’s short-fitting padded jacket). During the first 40 years of the 1500s, breastplates were spherical/bulbous at the belly and called globose with strong turns at the edges. The gussets had movement and a narrower waist plate with a laminated fauld to which a set of tassets (see page 139 in my book) were attached.The tassets can be attached by rivets, hinges, buckles, and straps; the fauld is held by rivets and washers.During the first two decades, the Italians produced a more spherical breastplate that they called “bombe”. Bombe can be fluted in the Maximilian fashion or smooth.From 1540 to 1560, the breastplate developed a“deep-bellied form”(see page 173-#5 and #6in my book). From 1560 to circa 1600, the deep-bellied form was replaced by the peascod (see page 173-#7), an exaggerated, deeper V-shaped belly.Discussion:Helmets and breastplates are the most sought-after by collectors and people looking for a uniquedecoration of historicalvalue. Helmets are the earliest form of body armor. Both aristocratic knights and simple infantrymen used them. Helmets are the most difficult item to make in a suit of armor. Because of their elegance, workmanship, and symbolism of power and chivalry, helmets are readily accepted by most as works of art, even by non-collectors. The breastplate is second only to the helmet. Even a person who knows very little about Arms and Armor will recognize a Medieval/Renaissance helmet or breastplate. If you collect greaves (see pages 122-BB and 123-BB in my book), few people may know what they are or find them aesthetically pleasing. Like a fine statue, breastplates display well on flat surfaces such as shelves, tables, or desks. Breastplates are also displayed easily on the wall, like a fine painting.
Conclusion:I have an identical breastplate in my collection. An early breastplate such as this is always in demand by collectors. Bear in mind, if this breastplate were only30-40 years earlier,it would be a Gothic breastplate with a price tag of at least 5 times more than this breastplate! Dollar for dollar, you are getting a lot of bang/value for your dollar.This is the only example of this type I have had in 40 years.ACT-NOW and avoid disappointment. The owner says sell today and has dropped the price!!!*

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