Pommel Plate ca. 1560-70 German, Augsburg This plate formed the center section of a three-part pommel, the sideplates of which are now missing. Its upper edge is embossed with a half-turn and roped. The decoration, now partially obscured by corrosion, consists of a wide band down the center etched with a repeating design of interlaced gilt strapwork forming knots and cartouches, the latter filled with gilt single-headed eagles, on a dotted, blackened ground; the narrow framing bands are etched and gilt with foliate scrolls. A band of identical ornament, but exactly halved, follows the roped edges. A small, circular hole at each side allowed the plate to be screwed to the saddletree.This piece provides evidence for the existence of an important Augsburg armor, otherwise unrecorded, of exceedingly high quality. Its etched decoration closely resembles that on the so-called Lark Garniture in Vienna (Hofjagd- und Rüstkammer, Kunsthistorisches Museum, A611), made in Augsburg in 1563 for Arch