Lot 901
A Samnite set of three-plate armour with breastplate, backplate and a side plate, 4th century B.C.
Works of Art, Antiquities & Ancient Art | A108kua | Live auction | 1169 Lots
Hammer price € 12,500
Show related lotsDescription
Exceptionally well-preserved three-disc plate armour (of Alfedena type) with similarly designed breastplate and backplate. Three conically curved discs surrounded by a bead with a medial ridge. Reinforced at the upper edge on the front by three riveted metal strips with concentric circles, one longer strip in the spandrel between the two upper discs and two shorter strips connecting to the ends of this middle strip. The middle strip is only attached to the front, while the outer strips clasp the outside and inside. There are smaller protrusions on the sides between the upper two discs and the lower disc. Sheet metal tabs are riveted to these protrusions and at the top in the middle of the two disc edges, which served to attach connecting strips between the breastplate and backplate over the shoulders and sides of the chest. The upper metal tabs are only partially preserved, while the side tabs are complete. The entire edge of the breastplate and backplate is finely perforated for attaching a lining to the armour. The surface of the armour plates is covered with a reddish-brown layer of copper, overlaid with green oxide deposits. Both armour plates are complete, with no deformations, missing parts or chips on the edges. Extremely beautiful and rare intact specimens. Height 27.5 cm and 28 cm. Width 28.5 cm and 29.2 cm. Due to the oxidation of the surface and the similar perforation on the edge, the side plate clearly belongs to this set: a rectangular side plate with a riveted hook on one narrow side. There was originally a tab on the opposite side. The tab was guided over an iron ring (remnants in the side tabs of the armour) that connected the armour and the side plate. A short, multi-link chain was attached to the other armour plate, into which the hook could be hooked, depending on the chest circumference. The side plate has been slightly restored. Dimensions without hook and strap 16.7 cm x 8.8 cm. Length with hook: 21.5 cm. CULTURAL ASSET.Provenance: From the Guttmann Collection (collection number AG 408)
Condition: I - Questions about the lot?
