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Loftie, W. J., 1839-1911

"Authorised Guide to the Tower of London"

The next equestrian figure is a gilt suit of Charles I (XIX),
said to have been given to him by the City of London. It is the latest
complete suit in the collection, and was probably never worn by him. In
the centre of the room is a case containing gun locks, powder flasks,
and other pieces for the furnishing of a soldier's equipment. The cannon
were made for the instruction of Charles II when a prince. In the wall
case observe with other objects two swine feathers, or feather staffs,
having one long and two short blades which can be concealed in the
shaft, also a German Calendar sword with the saints' days marked in
gold, and other swords. Below are two _waistcoat_ cuirasses opening
down the front.
In the next enclosure on the right is a mounted figure (XVIII) of
Charles I when young. The armour is apparently of French make, and
is very interesting as being a double suit--that is, it represents
the equipment of the cuirassier or cavalryman of about 1610, and
then by removing the helmet and the armour for the arms and legs, and
substituting the pott and the short thigh defences (in the small glass
case) we have the equipment of the foot soldier as seen in the figures
of pikemen on the other side of the room. The small silvered cap and
breast and back in another glass case was made for Charles II when
prince.
In a table case are a gun and pistol dated respectively 1614 and 1619,
made for Charles I when Prince of Wales.


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