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The stechzeug was a highly specialized form of armor worn in the tournament known as the Gestech which was fought on the open field without a barrier to avoid collisions. The stechzeug had no leg protection, relying on a large stuffed cushion, stechkissen, suspended from the horses neck which protected horse and rider in the event of a collision. A special saddle, without cantle, allowed the rider to be unhorsed by a well placed strike. The breaking of lances and unhorsing of an opponent were goals. As the armor was a rigid shell weighing about 60 pounds, comprising the huge frog mouth helmet bolted to the breastplate, being unhorsed in one would have literally been a bone shattering experience. This plate with remnants of its original leather waist belt, finished the bottom of the breastplate and served to distribute the effect of an impact. It probably was also used to rest on the saddle and relieve the rider of some of the weight of the armor, prior to confrontation. Surviving stechzeug evidently number perhaps less than forty, with 14 in the Hofjagd und Rustkammer, Vienna, seven in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg, and a hand full of single examples, all in public collections, including the Metropolitan Museum, and Philadelphia museum. These last two are freely restored and virtually all are composite with mixed parts. Most are incomplete below the waist.

Provenance: Cincinnati Art Museum

Stock Number: 98-10

$8,400.00


or $1,680.00 + $610.91 for 11 months.
(How?)

Certificate of Authenticity

All items purchased from Faganarms are accompanied by a signed and dated Certificate of Authenticity with the name of the item and its unique item number for future reference.

Certificates are suitable for display with your item, and can easily be mounted in a 8½" x 5½" frame. Our certificates are printed on an acid free 65lb cardstock. This means your certification will not turn yellow or deteriorate over time.

AN EXTREMELY RARE ABDOMINAL PLATE FROM A STECHZEUG ARMOR, SOUTH GERMAN C.1490-1500

Extended Payment Plans

Faganarms offers two types of payment plans to help you purchase this special piece for your collection.

Standard Payment Plan (4 Months)

For orders totaling $100 or more, our Standard Payment Plan is available to all of our customers. The total is split into 4 equal payments with the first payment required as a deposit. The balance will be due within 4 months, and your order will be shipped to you upon receipt of the final payment.

Pay just $2,100.00 today with 3 additional monthly payments of $2,100.00.

Extended Payment Plan (12 Months)

For orders totaling $600 or more, our Extended Payment Plan is available to all of our customers. A deposit of 20% is required, following 11 equal monthly payments.

Pay just $1,680.00 today with 11 additional monthly payments of $610.91.

All payment plans are extended as a courtesy to our customers with no interest or fees.
It's important that the payment schedule be followed. Your order will be shipped upon receipt of final payment.

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If you have any questions, please let us know, and we'll be happy to assist you.