Page:A record of European armour and arms through seven centuries (Volume 1).djvu/352

 c.

From the tomb of the Black Prince in Cathedral Church of Canterbury

the atmosphere, though protected from the disintegrating action of rain and frost, the whole surface, although sound and strong, is now evenly pitted with rust. Since it has never been cleaned, we are unable to ascertain the exact quality of the metal; but, if we may judge from its elasticity, it is excellent. Except for its general character, which is fine, it is not an armament of any particular artistic merit; and it must have relied upon a gilded surface and elaborate cresting for making any distinctive display in the field. The crest may be considered as being unique as an existing specimen of this early date. In the effigy of the Prince, the helm, almost a counterpart of the one just described, with its crest in position, forms the pillow for his head. On it the crest, consisting of the crowned leopard with the label about its neck, is shown standing upon the cap of maintenance, from beneath which the lambrequin falls over the helm. The actual crest is practically similar to that appearing on the effigy. The crown upon the leopard, or lion statant, is lost, as also is the Prince's silver label from about its neck. Sir St. John Hope doubts whether the latter ever was in position; for there are no traces of its original attachment other than a pin on the back, which would hardly appear to have been sufficient. Both the leopard and the cap of maintenance are fashioned of leather, the former being cleverly modelled to show the rough fur of the animal. The crest appears to have been entirely gilt; while the cap of maintenance was painted red with its turned up edge rendered in white and black in imitation of ermine. It was originally lined with red velvet, some traces of which still exist. The present weight of the crest and cap is 4 lb. 5 oz. (Fig. 322c). In 1912 there was discovered in Queen Street, Westminster, a small bronze ornament, made to be applied to some object now impossible to ascertain. It is in the form of a helm, crested in exactly the same manner as the actual lion statant, crest, and cap of maintenance of Edward the Black Prince. There is no label about the neck of the lion; a