Collection Online as of July 7, 2022
Part of a set. See all set records
Steel, steel and brass rivets, leather straps
Overall: 26.6 x 22.1 cm (10 1/2 x 8 11/16 in.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1714.i
210A Armor Court
This fluted armor was visually striking in natural sunlight, which created a dazzling effect as it reflected off the polished, rippling steel. The flutings may have originated as a means of imitating the pleatings of male costume of the day. It became apparent, however, that the flutings were also a strengthening device, similar to corrugated metal. This enabled the armorer to use plates of thinner—and therefore lighter—steel. Such suits of armor demanded time-consuming and highly precise work from the armorer, which in turn quickly drove the production costs high enough that the fashion disappeared by 1540.