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Partial Suit of Armor in Maximilian Style: Proper Right Arm (Vambrace, Rerebrace, Couter)

c. 1525
Overall: 58.5 x 15.8 cm (23 1/16 x 6 1/4 in.)
Weight: 1.32 kg (2.91 lbs.)
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Description

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.
Partial Suit of Armor in Maximilian Style: Proper Right Arm (Vambrace, Rerebrace, Couter)

Partial Suit of Armor in Maximilian Style: Proper Right Arm (Vambrace, Rerebrace, Couter)

c. 1525

Germany, Nuremberg, 16th century

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