Day 141 - Scabbard


April 1, 2019

In gallery 373, I learn that by the end of the 13th century,  northern Italian cities, especially Milan and Brescia, were famous for their armor-making and were exporting their products all over Europe. The gallery has many examples of Italian armor; most memorable to me is a sallet (a new word!), a helmet with a hinged chin-guard in the shape of a lion's head made around 1475-1480.  The head,  fashioned of gilt copper fitted over a plain steel helmet, features a curly mane, inlaid glass eyes, and an open mouth (through which the wearer  looked out)  lined with fearsome fangs,  The helmet must have been very impressive - and also quite a load: It weighs almost 8 pounds.  The gallery also includes many examples of German armor, a number etched with religious figures. There's an interesting German helmet, made aound 1550, that reflects the influence of the conical, pointed headgear worn by the Turkish cavalry.

Today's object is neither Italian nor German but instead Polish: an early 17th century scabbard for a saber.  Made of steel and about 3 feet long, the scabbard is covered in dark red velvet and  elaborately decorated with  gilt-silver and semi-precious stones, among which I rcognize turquoise and amethyst. It's really a luxury item and was, I assume, worn by a nobleman. It makes me want to go back and look at Rmbrandt's "The Polish Rider" -- although when, later, I do this, I see his weapon is nowhere near as elaborate.

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