Showcase 22. European armour and arms of the XVth to XIXth centuries

The collection contains specimens of field and tournament armour, defensive and offensive arms by European makers. It enables to reveal the main stages of development of armature in Europe during several centuries.

In the XVIth century a new type of plated armour was invented to perfect the protection of its wearer. Full plate armour made the wearer virtually impervious to sword blows as well as providing significant protection against arrows, bludgeons and even early firearms. For the elite full-body plate armour was custom-made for the individual and formed of different parts, fastened together with straps and rivets. Form of the armours changed in keeping with new fashion in dress. Tournament armour was heavier than field armour and was adorned with chasing, engraving and gilding. During the XVth-XVIth centuries armour was being developed to satisfy the defense requirements for lightweight protective covering of mobile suitable forms.

The XVIth century arming of rider and infantryman contains articles of cold steel, i.e. two-handled swords, pikes, halberds and partisans.

Suits of plated armour were not used in Russia, but were kept by Tsars and boyars as foreign curiosities.