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Title Pair of tassets
Nationality German?
Period 16th century
Sold

These are almost certainly from a half armour, ie breast, back, tassets and morion or burgonet. Typically worn by an officer in the Spanish Netherlands campaigns and in fighting in France and Italy, the embossed detail, as well as the quality of the original rivets, all pointing to officer quality, probably of German manufacture.

These are not to be confused with pikemen's tassets, which are of much stouter construction, whether of other ranks' quality or officer's.

They have been extensively restored and patched, with many of the rivets and all the leather work having been replaced. This is not unusual for items of this age, particularly from combat armour. The red paint is obviously not original, but has probably been done to preserve the back of the piece from rust. This restoration work was all carried out professionally at the Tower of London Armouries in the 1950s.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Militaria : Armour : German : 16th Century]

testimonials

[From a vendor, rather than a buyer]

I'm delighted that you are happy with the badge and I hope you can sell it to someone who will value owning it.

I tried to sell it on eBay but they won't accept Nazi items. I then contacted several dealers via a Google search who mostly offered me £40-£50 after some haggling. Most of the other dealers tried to conceal its true value in their replies and also lacked manners which doesn't inspire confidence.

Ultimately it's about trust. I should think that most prospective sellers have done their own research and therefore know roughly what their item is worth. You were the only dealer who had the integrity to concede that my valuation was approximately correct and I respect your comment that you can't offer this as you need to make a profit. Your honest approach is greatly appreciated and I felt comfortable taking the risk in sending it to you.

Thank you for a smooth transaction

C D, UK, 01.07.2015

The sword came in untouched [pristine] condiotion. Thank you very much. I am looking forward to next time.

P S, Czech Republic, 23.09.2013

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