Backplate (body armour): HEN.M.22D-1933

Maker(s)

Production: Unknown (Probably)

Entities

• Backplate (body armour)

Categories

• Armour

Description

A backplate, for a pikeman, decorated with embossed and engraved bands and chevrons. The backplate is formed in one piece with a wide neck-opening and a waist-flange that forms a short skirt. The lower edge of the skirt descends to an obtuse central point. The left end of the skirt is broken away. Riveted at each shoulder is a modern leather shoulder-strap with a modern pierced terminal of iron. Riveted at each side of the waist is a pierced rectangular stud that would originally have engaged hinged hasps riveted at each side of the breastplate.
The main edges of all parts of the armour have plain inward turns. The armour is decorated throughout with multiple bands and borders of 'terraced' form that project inwards at intervals as chevrons. The bands are emphasised by single and pairs of incised lines. The armour is decorated throughout with borders and lines of brass-capped rivets, most of which serve as lining-rivets. Part of the pikeman's armour HEN.M.22A-E-1933.

Notes

History note: From Brancepeth Castle, Northumberland. Mr James Stewart Henderson of 'Abbotsford', Downs Road, St Helen's Park, Hastings, Sussex.

Legal notes

J.S. Henderson Bequest

Place(s) associated

• London

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Bequeathed (1933-03-16) by Henderson, James Stewart

Dating

17th Century, Early#
Production date: AD 1630

Note

England; probably Greenwich

The backplate is painted black.