Partial Suit of Armor in Maximilian Style, c. 1525. Germany, Nuremberg, 16th century. Steel; overall: 28.7 x 30.4 x 21.7 cm (11 5/16 x 11 15/16 x 8 9/16 in.). This fluted armor was visually striking in natural sunlight, which created a dazzling effect as it reflected off the polished, rippling steel. The flutings may have originated as a means of imitating the pleatings of male costume of the day. It became apparent, however, that the flutings were also a strengthening device, similar to corrugated metal. This enabled the armorer to use plates of thinnerand therefore lightersteel. Such suits of armor demanded time-consuming and highly precise work from the armorer, which in turn quickly drove the production costs high enough that the fashion disappeared by 1540.