2071 Mini antique suit of armor
2071) AN EXCEPTIONAL LARGE VICTORIAN MINIATURE ARMOR DATED 1580 BY WINKELMAYER:
Introduction: This is a highly detailed, late circa 1880 Historismus (Historic Revival)/Victorian reproduction of a full-sized European armor from circa 1580. The craftsmanship is superior to the highly sought-after Schmidt armors. Almost certainly made by the Viennese master armorer Leopold Winkelmayer. Winkelmayer was an exceptionally skilled Austrian metalsmith active in Vienna from the late 19th century until his death (circa 1846–1916). Winkelmayer, frequently collaborating with a talented Hungarian metal engraver named Julius E. Scheurer, did not just make overt “reproductions.” He specialized in highly deceptive forgeries of 15th- and 16th-century tournament armor, shields, and chamfrons. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York proudly displays pieces overtly labeled as “Forgeries by Leopold Winkelmayer“ within its permanent collection. Armorers study his work to understand the heights of late-19th-century metalworking skills.
Description: Constructed with a prominent, rounded close helm with a pierced, decorated visor with breath, a contoured breastplate, multiple layered overlapping steel lames on the pauldrons, and broad, multi-lame tassets extending over the upper thighs, fully articulated gauntlets, a mail brayette, and meticulously hammered roped borders along the edges. The mannequin structure is filled with burlap and tightly bound with cord wrapping, a standard historical method for keeping miniature armor rigid and upright on its base. The carved date of 1580 on the stepped wooden plinth represents the period being replicated. Retaining its original plinth and mannequin.
Condition: Superb.
Approximate Height: 39 inches.
Discussion: The Historismus period (Germany) refers to a similar period in Germany and surrounding countries that was widespread in the 19th century and still partly resonated in the early 20th century. Historismus is the German version of the Victorian period.
Historismus’s highest interest was around 1850, slightly before the Victorian era. During the Victorian and Historismus periods, the wealthy collected Arms and Armor. Collecting was fashionable, but there weren’t enough actual period Arms and Armor pieces to satisfy demand, and when they were available, they were expensive. Price and scarcity drove demand, and as a result, many exceptional reproduction pieces were made.
Pieces made during this period have age and old-school workmanship. Many collectors, dealers, and auction houses cannot tell them apart from authentic period pieces. The workmanship and aging are very convincing. The miniature under discussion is an exceptional example of Victorian workmanship at its best.
Conclusion: This is the best miniature I have had in 35 years. This is an exceptionally large example for a miniature suit, effectively serving as a substantial 1/2- or 1/3-scale replica. The diet soda can placed at the base provides an excellent visual reference for its impressive height and footprint.
Major collectors have had exceptional miniatures in the past. Few collectors today can afford a real, complete period armor; here is the next best thing. Would look great in any collection, office, or den!!!*
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