Miniature suit of armor

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J
Posted by jimstr1
11 years ago
AI Appraisal
💬 2 Comments 🗣️ Discuss with Community
Description This is an articulated miniature etched suit of armor standing approximately 40 inch tall on a wooden base and 12 inch wide across the shoulders. I think it's stilled after 16th century German armor. As for age and maker, I am unsure. Any information would be appreciated.
Category Militaria
Medium Sheet metal/carbon steel
Distinguishing marks Etching on armor from top to bottom front.
Condition Good
Size and dimensions of this item 12" x 6.5"w x 40"h
Date Period stilled after 16th century
Weight 8 to 10 pounds
History I have no information on the items background.
Price Paid (If known) $320.00
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Submitted by cyberhusky

This appears to be a very attractive suit of armor as you indicated in the 16th century style.  Armors made copies in miniature to demonstrate their talents, and apprentices also would build a miniature to show their skill to become a master craftsman.  I've seen a number of these minature suits of armor at auction, and they range greatly in price depending on the craftsmanship, detail of work, condition and apparent age.  I have honestly seen these go for anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to a $2-3,000.  Based on the detail in the photos and the style, I think you got a good deal for the price paid.  I would be willing to pay $320 for this if I saw at an estate sale or auction.  My best guess is that it was probably made in the late 19th or early 20th century and the value is probably about $1500.  You can search auction results on various websites to do a little more research on your own.  Personally, I attended the Rock Island Auction in Rock Island, IL in April 2013, where they had a sale of arms and armor.  I believe there were 3 miniature sutis of armor.  They were estimated to sell for between $1,100 and $3,000, but the final sale prices ranged from just over $1,000 to about $1,800.

Cyberhusky, Thanks for the info. I expected it to be old but not that old. I did find one other on an auction website that was identical to mine it was valued at between 3 to 5 thousand and sold for just under 4,000. I know just because that one did, doesn't mean mine is worth that much. Any additional information would be very helpful in learning as much as possible.
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