Lot 254
Western Europe, probably England, Victorian period, ca. 19th century CE. A delightful, matched pair of steel armor glove gauntlets with brass rivets, leather liners, and etched designs. The gauntlets cover part of the forearm with a flared cylindrical shape, and the wrist area is composed of seven articulated plates with rivets holding them together. The thumb plate is attached by a small hinge to the wrist and the smaller finger plates extend from the back of the hand. Leather liners are riveted to each of the finger plates. The frontside of the gauntlets are decorated with swirling vines and floral motifs, designs that were likely created via the acid etching technique. These are a charming Victorian recreation of traditional plated gauntlets and were probably part of a full suit made to emulate Medieval Knight. The Victorians were fascinated by medieval life and made suits of armor to decorate their homes and capture the romanticism of a bygone age of chivalry. Size: 11.75" L x 4.75" W (29.8 cm x 12.1 cm)
The process of acid etching involves coating the metal surface with an acid resistant substance, such as beeswax, and then removing the wax around the desired pattern to reveal the surface underneath. The armor is then dipped in a solution of acid and water. The bare areas corrode when exposed to the acid while the wax protects the rest. The piece is taken out of the solution once the desired amount of exposed metal is eaten away, leaving behind the slightly raised etched pattern.
Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA acquired before 2000
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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#158567
- Condition: Leather is fraying on fingers. Plates and hinges still articulate. Light patina and beautiful etchings!
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