European Decorative Arts and Sculpture

Horse Armor of Duke Ulrich of Württemberg, for use in the field

1507

Made by the armorer Wilhelm von Worms the Elder, German (active Nuremberg), master in 1499, died 1538

Embossed, etched and partially blued and gilded steel (tail plate replaced); brass; leather (armor); birch bark; steel; leather and textiles replaced (saddle)
Weight (with saddle): 89 lb. (40.37 kg) Weight (without saddle): 63.2 lb. (28.67 kg)

* Gallery 247, Arms and Armor, second floor

2009-117-1

Label

This horse armor is the earliest complete example outside of Europe, and one of only a handful of such early date in the world. It is also the only surviving horse armor by Wilhelm von Worms, an illustrious armorer in the city of Nuremberg. The chanfron (headpiece) and peytral (chest defense) are struck on their left sides with von Worms's armorer's mark and with the inspection mark of the armorers of Nuremberg. The ornamentation of the steel surfaces is unique in inspiration and unsurpassed in the quality of design and execution.

Duke Ulrich of Württemberg (1487-1550, ruled 1498 to 1519 and 1534 to 1550) possibly commissioned this armor in anticipation of riding, along with other German princes, with Maximilian I of Austria from Germany to Rome, where Maximilian was to be crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Julius II. Because the Republic of Venice refused to grant safe passage, however, the planned journey never took place.