ARMOUR ( Tosei Gusoku )
Japanese 18th century. By the first decades of the 17th century the Tokugawa Shoguns had imposed peace on Japanese society. Never the less members of the military class were expected to maintain their arms and armour ready for war at all times. This figure represents a middle ranking Samurai around the end of the 18th century, his armour being based on the practical styles developed during the civil wars of the 16th century. The flag attached to the backplate displays the warrior`s personal device, his Kamon. The size of his horse reflects the improvements to the native bloodstock, the result of the importation of Arab Stallions by the Dutch. The saddle is of the late Edo period, the horse trappings modern replicas.
~~~~<<<<>>>>~~~~
MASS PRODUCTION.
The early years of the 19th century heralded a period of unprecedented industrial development. Technology leaped ahead in every manner of industrial process, and nowhere was it more warmly embraced than in weapons manufacture. Always a labour - intensive industry, the production of firearms by the early 1850`s had become largely mechanised. American manufacturers like Colt and Whitney showed that it was perfectly feasible to use unskilled labour to produce effective weapons by machine.
~~~~<<<<>>>>~~~~
HALF ARMOUR.
North Italian, about 1570 - 80. Composed of various pieces of the same period and fashion. It is a type known as a corslet, intended for infantry use. It is decorated with etched bands of classical ornament and was probably for wear by an officer of infantry.
~~~~<<<<>>>>~~~~
EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN I ARMOUR FRONT VIEW.
EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN I ARMOUR SIDE VIEW.
~~~~<<<<>>>>~~~~
BATTLE SCENE.
~~~~<<<<>>>>~~~~
HENRY VIII`S FOOT COMBAT ARMOUR.
~~~~<<<<>>>>~~~~
These are some interesting pieces. I admit the Emperor Maximilian items remind me of a Star Wars Storm Trooper for some reason. Might be just my twisted thinking, I suppose. I am just glad I never had to wear any of that stuff.
ReplyDelete