Portions of a Costume Armor 1500 - 1550

This portion of a suit of armor, crafted between 1500 and 1550 by the renowned German armorer Kolman Helmschmid, is a masterful example of late Gothic armor design. The intricate detail of the armor's embossed and gilded decoration, featuring a repeating pattern of stylized foliage and curves, was characteristic of Helmschmid's work. The armor's sturdy construction and weight (24 lb. 3.24 oz.) reflect its functionality for protection and defense. Currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, the piece stands as a testament to the artistry and technical skill of early European armor making.