Gauntlet for the Right Hand, from Tannenberg Castle

Gauntlet for the Right Hand, from Tannenberg Castle

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This gauntlet was found in 1849 during the excavation of Tannenberg Castle (near Darmstadt), which had been destroyed by siege in 1399.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Gauntlet for the Right Hand, from Tannenberg CastleGauntlet for the Right Hand, from Tannenberg CastleGauntlet for the Right Hand, from Tannenberg CastleGauntlet for the Right Hand, from Tannenberg CastleGauntlet for the Right Hand, from Tannenberg Castle

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.