A Pair of German Gothic Mitten Gauntlets by Cöntz Judenspiess of Landshut. 15” overall, each having a cuff with fluted surfaces and heart shaped piercing to the leading edges, a wrist guard with a low navette shaped protuberance to the outside, three articulated plates covering the back of the hand also having angular fluting and decorative piercing to the trailing edges, superposed knuckle plate with low peaks, four articulated plates with scalloped edges to cover the fingers of which further small independent plates protect the extremities, and a similarly constructed hinged thumb guard. With modern leather liners and straps.
Circa 1490 and later
In good condition with some restoration. Approximately 60% original plates with later restoration. The left cuff is original bearing the stamp of Landshut and the makers stamp of Cöntz Judenspiess – Master of the Boar Spear. The left gauntlet with painted ‘IV’ collection number. Both right and left cuffs have been tested by Dr Alan Williams of The Wallace Collection. The right cuff is post Bessemer steel, the left is consistent with 15th century German plate with slag inclusions. Edges are outwards turned as typical of the 15th century. Both thumbs are reproductions. The left gauntlet substantially original, the right less so. All rivets were replaced as plates were disassembled and examined. Gauntlets and glove restored by Chris Dobson - formerly Master Armourer to the Royal Armouries
See A.R. Dufty and W. Reid, European Armour in the Tower of London, 1968, plate CXXII. For a near identical pair and C. Paggiarino, The Royal Armouries, masterpieces of medieval and renaissance arms and armour, Milan, 2011, volume 1.