Half Armor
Attributed to Martin Schneider the Younger German
Although made in Nuremberg, this cavalryman’s armor is an unusual mix of different regional styles. The helmet is based on an eastern European type known as the Zischägge, which was inspired by Turkish examples. The pauldrons (shoulder defenses) with their overlapping, fanlike plates are of a type associated with Swiss armors of the period.
The armor is stamped with the Nuremberg mark and an armorer’s mark—a shield containing the letters MSI above a pair of shears—that has been attributed to Martin Schneider the Younger.
Despite its relative plainness, the armor is very well made. It would have been worn by a cavalryman equipped with a sword, a pair of pistols, and possibly a carbine (a short form of musket).
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
