Grandguard (Reinforcing Shoulder Defense)

Armorer Leonard Hugel German
Etcher Leonard Heinrich German
1925
Not on view
This grandguard was made in the Metropolitan Museum’s Armor Shop as part of the restoration of a South German armor dating from about 1560, which was acquired by Arms and Armor Department founding curator Bashford Dean at auction in 1925 for his private collection. The hammer-work was done by Hugel, an exceptionally talented armor maker. The etching was by his nephew Heinrich, whose skill rivaled that of many sixteenth-century armor decorators. Originally from Germany and trained in Munich, both men came to the United States in 1924 and divided their working time between the Museum and Dean’s armory in Riverdale, New York.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Grandguard (Reinforcing Shoulder Defense)
  • Armorer: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Armor Workshop
  • Armorer: Leonard Hugel (German, 1877–ca. 1935, New York)
  • Etcher: Leonard Heinrich (American (born Germany) Munich 1900–1966 Clarksville, New Jersey)
  • Date: 1925
  • Culture: American, New York
  • Medium: Steel
  • Dimensions: H. 17 in. (43.2 cm); W. 13 7/8 in. (35.2 cm); D. 4 1/4 (10.8 cm); Wt. 5 lbs. 1 oz. (2296.3 g)
  • Classification: Armor Parts-Arms & Shoulders
  • Credit Line: Bashford Dean Memorial Collection, Bequest of Bashford Dean, 1928
  • Object Number: 29.150.10j
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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