Iron artificial arm, 1560-1600.

Artificial iron arm, once thought to have been owned by Gotz von Berlichingen (1480-1562), the German knight and adventurer who served with the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V against the Turks. Artificial limbs such as these were expensive items made by armourers, and they allowed wearers, who had lost a limb in combat, to continue with their fighting career. This example is believed to date from 1560-1600, but other examples of these arms have been recognised as later copies. Full view (palm down).