16TH CENTURY SADDLE STEEL

ITALIAN 1540–1570

The middle part of a decorated Italian saddle steels etched with symmetrical patterns. The front part of a knight’s saddle was usually covered with three plates. They were screwed directly to the wooden front frame of a saddle.

Although fragmental in condition, this plate is a rare example of a horse armour of a mounted knight. Similar objects can be found in various collections as Real Armeria Turin or Madrid.

• Width 30.5 cm
• Height 19.5 cm
• Weight 420 grams