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South German; Augsburg

Reinforcing Bevor and Grandguard for the Joust

c. 1560
Steel

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Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

By the sixteenth century, armorers devised this steel reinforcement as replacement for wooden shields or targes used in the joust. The lower section, known as a grandguard, was bolted down firmly over the left side of the breastplate. These served as targets and were often fitted with a trellis pattern to grapple the lance head after impact. The helmet was bolted to the upper section (bevor) for added thickness and protection, replacing the heavy jousting helm of the past.

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