Antique Armor LLC

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HIGHLY CHISELED SPANISH RAPIER BY SWORDMAKER TO THE KING MASTER AVAL DEL MONTE CIRCA 1580:

Introduction: This exceptional rapier was made in Toledo, Spain, home to some of the most exceptional rapiers ever made. The rapier is almost undeniably of Spanish origin and is probably Spain’s‚ most significant contribution to the Renaissance arms race. Rapiers from Toledo are legendary and highly sought by collectors. Under the Norman typology, this rapier is classified as a hilt 63 , which was used for a short period of time from 1615 to 1635.

Discussion: A highly expensive and ornate rapier such as this one was the equivalent of a person in our day and age making a fashion or opulence statement by wearing very expensive jewelry, such as a Rolex or Audemars Piguet watch. High fashion was an essential status and power symbol in the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. High fashion was especially important among the mega-wealthy, who wanted to outdo their rivals, neighbors, and peers in the fashion arena. Not all wars were fought on the battlefield with swords, lances, and armor. A non-bloody war was in the fashion and status arena. Fashion also extended deeply to Arms and Armor. The phrase… “keeping up with the Joneses” … is not a new 20th-century concept.
In an era lacking effective policing, the private citizen was forced to protect himself from society’s criminal dregs. The weapon of choice was the rapier from the mid-16th to the late 17th century. The rapier is a simple yet highly effective sword against non-armored opponents. The rapier was primarily a thrusting weapon that could inflict serious injury to an adversary‚ vital organs with minimal effort. It was also an...

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MUSEUM QUALITY HIGHLY DECORATED CROSSBOW FROM THE ARMORY OF THE PRINCE OF HANNOVER CIRCA 1650s:

Introduction: The exceptional decoration and craftsmanship of this crossbow are most indicative of a person of great wealth and stature who commissioned its original creation. The inlay on the crossbow’s side tiller is in the Mannerist style of Etienne Delaune (1518-83), a prominent French Renaissance goldsmith, engraver, and designer whose work significantly influenced the decorative arts of the 16th century. He is credited with designing some of the most elaborate parade armor of the French Renaissance, including his most prominent work, a Royal Armor for Henry VII, currently housed in the Louvre Museum. His work is preserved in major world collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the British Museum.

Discussion: Just as topics and negotiations are discussed on the golf course today, the hunt in the Medieval and Renaissance periods played the same role. It was also a time to show off‚ wealth and socialize among the rich. It was a conservative affair among the wealthy and powerful who reminisced about earlier times; this may explain why the crossbow tiller was identical to a Gothic crossbow tiller and did not adopt the stock of a contemporary rifle, which would have been the crossbow’s natural next progression.

The crossbow’s silent discharge made it better for hunting than a firearm. The silence allowed hunting without scaring away animals, and the absence of gunpowder odor meant the hunter’s position was not betrayed. Crossbows for hunting were much more elaborate and expensive, such as the one under discussion, compared to military crossbows, which had a Spartan appearance.

The wealthy hunted bear, boar, and deer in what was referred to as the “high hunt.” Lesser animals, such as birds and rabbits, were hunted by the Visit our website for more photos. Link in Bio

MASSIVE MUSEUM QUALITY HIGHLY DECORATED NUREMBERG STRONGBOX CIRCA 1650: I have never seen a bigger, more massive, and elegant Nuremberg strongbox (often incorrectly called an Armada chest) in any museum or collection in 40 years! This chest is ENORMOUS! This is a unique and rare opportunity. When you walk into a room, this stunning masterpiece catches your interest and draws you like a magnet. It will leave you in awe! It’s the first thing people will walk up to you in astonishment and ask you about.

Introduction: The Nuremberg strongbox ( also called a coffer or Armada chest) was initially designed for the Nobility and the wealthy to store their money and valuables. Eventually, it was also adopted by wealthy travelers, but to a lesser degree. With the passage of time, these Renaissance strongboxes have eventually found their way into contemporary homes as decorative and conversational pieces of furniture.
Discussion: This strongbox is estimated to be a very early example of a Nuremberg manufacture because of its elegance, weight, design, and superior craftsmanship. As Nuremberg strongboxes developed, a very sophisticated locking mechanism that locks on all sides of the lid developed as well. Most of these strongboxes were made in Nuremberg, with a much smaller production in Augsburg. Nuremberg strongboxes were the first chests forged completely in sheet iron and reinforced with intersecting strips and fittings made of iron/steel. During this period, the Italians were making their money chests out of wood with metal bands.
During the Victorian era, Nuremberg strongboxes were renamed “armada chests” under the mistaken impression that they had accompanied the Spanish during the “Invincible Armada” of 1588. Another misconception was that the conquistadors filled them with gold on their return.
Description: Constructed with an...

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IMPRESSIVE ITALIAN DEEP BELLIED BREASTPLATE CIRCA 1540: From 1540 to 1560, the breastplate developed by the Italians had a “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 spherical bellied one-piece main plate, roping at the edges turning inwards with 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 # Y 17 in red ink on the backside.
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 #6 in 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 unique decoration of historical value. 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...

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