Page:The American Cyclopædia (1879) Volume I.djvu/769

 AEMOR T33 knee-pieces, of jointed steel splints, and plate shoes, were added to the mail ; and this was the suit of armor, of the best and most approved construction, so late as to the time of the third crusade of Eichard Coeur de Lion and Philip Armor comprising both Mail and Plate, A. D. 1370. Augustus, in 1189, both of which monarchs are represented in their great seals equipped and armed exactly as described. Without de- tailing the gradual but constant encroachment of plate armor upon mail, it is enough to say that Early Armor of Plate, A. D. 1416. it lasted for 200 years, adding piece by piece, until in the beginning of the 15th century we find complete suits of plate, casing the wearer in steel from head to foot. From that time this armor was gradually improved, until it reached its perfection during the reign of Henry VII. In the suit of that time we find perhaps the greatest security and beauty ever combined in armor. The whole suit is fluted ; the neck is Fluted and Perfected Plate Armor of Henry VII., 1485-150S. defended by pass guards, rising perpendicularly from the shoulders ; the helmet assumes a natu- Annor of Man and Horse, A. D. 1634. ral form ; the back of the neck is protected by flexible plates ; and the whole of the headpiece is made to adapt itself to every movement. The horse's head is guarded by the chamfront,