Page:A record of European armour and arms through seven centuries (Volume 3).djvu/346

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Fig. 1062. Part of a series of suits (all one set)

Made for the Emperor Charles V by Koloman Kolman of Augsburg in the second quarter of the XVIth century. It is known as the "K. D." armour. This particular set is numbered A 19, Royal Armoury, Madrid

are restorations. The breastplate is of that graceful, globose form which is principally seen in those of the Kolman make; around the neck is engraved the collar of the Golden Fleece. The backplate fits the front with great exactitude; there is a single deep tace plate, to which are attached by buckle and strap the tuille-like tassets of three plates; the leg defences are composed of elongated cuisses, knee-cops, jambs, and broad-toed sollerets. The arm defences differ one from the other. The right has the espalier pauldron hollowed in front to allow for the couching of the lance, the cavity being protected by a rondel; the left is composed of a large and full pauldron with the upright shoulder guard, upon which appears the monogram K. D. to which we have alluded. The mitten gauntlets, which have separate compartments for the fingers, present no peculiarity; and the same thing may be said of the rere- and vambraces. This accounts for the chief plates on the principal suit of this wonderfully complete panoply; but, as we have said, it takes four figures to hold its interchangeable parts. The illustration (Fig. 1062) of this set is sufficient to prove its fine proportions and protective powers. As to the other parts, we may add that an equestrian figure, A 26, and a third figure, A 27, display a number of the extra joust and tournament plates; while on a fourth figure, A 28, is the remainder of the harness, includ-