European Decorative Arts and Sculpture

Armor for use in the Tilt (Ballienrennen)

c. 1575

Artist/maker unknown, German, Saxon

Steel; leather (replaced); textiles

Currently not on view

1977-167-32

Label

This armor was part of a large number of suits designed for different forms of the joust. The suits were commissioned by Prince Elector Augustus of Saxony (ruled 1553 to 1586) for members of his court.

The spike on the left side of the chest was used to adjust the grand guard (metal shield) against the breastplate.