Gothic Fan-Shaped Pauldron (left)

c.1485–1500

Antonio Missaglia

(Italian, 1416/17–1495/96)

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Culture

Italy, Milan

Medium

steel

Measurements

Overall: 21.5 x 25.2 x 14.8 cm (8 7/16 x 9 15/16 x 5 13/16 in.)
Weight: 860 g (1.9 lbs.)

Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.2080.2

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Location

210A Armor Court

Did You Know?

A pauldron is a component of plate armor that covers the shoulder and often the armpit, and parts of the back and chest as well.

Description

When the elements that made up a suit of armor had been forged, shaped, and polished, they were inspected for fit and finish. At this stage the master armorer would use a punch to stamp each element with his maker's mark. Other associated marks might include a town or guild mark, depending on the city of origin. The set of three marks shown here are of a type known to be Milanese. The upper mark seems to show three letters beneath a crown, while the mark below, twice repeated, is a split cross with the letters inside. These probably refer to the Missaglias.