191 - DECORATIVE SUIT OF ARMOUR IN WROUGHT IRON. GERMANY, LATE 19TH, EARLY 20TH CENTURY.

DECORATIVE SUIT OF ARMOUR IN WROUGHT IRON. GERMANY, LATE 19TH, EARLY 20TH CENTURY. An impressive decorative suit of armour, crafted in Germany during the late nineteenth to early twentieth century in wrought iron, embodying the traditions of European Historicism. The ensemble faithfully recreates a complete plate armour of the Late Medieval and Renaissance periods, distinguished by the high quality of its metalwork and the remarkable attention to historical detail. The armour is mounted on an internal wooden support with an integral plinth, underscoring its intended function as a prestigious decorative feature for castles, country houses, hunting lodges and grand reception interiors. The helmet is fitted with a hinged visor, articulated neck defence and a leather chin strap. The breastplate is complemented by articulated vambraces, a laminated fauld, substantial pauldrons, couters and fully articulated gauntlets. The lower section comprises cuisses, poleyns and greaves, forming a complete and harmonious representation of a knightly harness. The iron surfaces are richly engraved with scrolling acanthus ornament, fantastic dragon masks, mounted horsemen and heraldic devices. Such decoration is characteristic of decorative armour produced during the Historicist revival, inspired by celebrated German armours of the sixteenth century and the renowned armour-making centres of Southern Germany. During the second half of the nineteenth century, decorative suits of armour became highly fashionable among the European aristocracy and discerning collectors as prestigious furnishings for libraries, hunting rooms, entrance halls and palace interiors. With its commanding presence, accomplished forged construction and elaborate engraved ornamentation, this armour represents an excellent example of German decorative arts from the Historicist period. Marks: No visible marks. Dimensions: Height 190 cm. Width 80 cm. Depth 50 cm. Weight: 35 kg. Condition: Good condition. Provenance: Germany, late nineteenth, early twentieth century. Width: 80cm, Height: 190cm, Depth: 50cm, Weight: 40kg, Condition: Good, Material: Metal, ID: ID-ANTQ-8808