about 1560

steel with black paint

19 × 11 × 18 cm (7 1/2 × 4 5/16 × 7 1/16 in.), 12 oz (weight)

The John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

 Blackened with unblackened trim. The medial ridge is bordered with an unblackened ribbon on the front, ending just as it rounds the outer elbow. Although the ribbon may have at one time been completely engraved, only engraving of foliage exists now at the turn of the outer elbow. Both couters have been extensively patched at the medial ridge and outer wings. The edges of the couters are bordered by a 1/2" unblackened ribbon with turned edges. The borders have little engraving remaining because of the patching and severe pitting. There is a curving embossed decoration on the upper and lower wings that is painted black. The one couter has a hole that probably served to accommodate a securing stud on the leather running beneath it; the other appears to have lost this hole due to damage and patching.