Description

Helmet: of classic form, with a two piece skull, with a single-piece neck-guard embossed with three simulated lames, a pivoted peak fitted with three face bars, and two cheek pieces attached with leathers.

Exterior marks: None.

Internal batch marks: struck with ‘XX’ batch marks.

Breastplate: Made of a single plate, forged into the typical form with low medial ridge drawn out to a small point on the base, plain turned edges at the neck and armpits. It is fitted with a pair of studs for the shoulder straps, and has a short flared skirt.

Exterior marks: Struck with a ‘Crowned A’ at the neck.

Internal batch marks: None.

Backplate: Forged from a single plate, shaped tot he shoulders, and in the lumbar area is forged out into a shallow flange, plain turned edges at the neck and armpits. The backplate is connected to the breastplates by two plated shoulder straps and a leather waist belt.

Exterior marks: Heavily stamped at the neck, struck with numerous marks: a ‘Crowned A’ at the neck, also ‘Crowned IR’ – the arsenal mark of the reign of James II; ‘IH’ – the marks for John Hill and John Holloway circa 1630. There are also some interesting ownership marks engraved into the backplate ‘I’ and ‘H’

Internal batch marks: None.

Thom Richardson (2004) The London Armourers Of The 17th Century, Henry Ling Ltd, Dorset Press, UK.\

19489
– See more at: http://www.garthvincent.com/antique/1129/a+harquebusiers+armour/#sthash.0qjfVloz.dpuf