English Civil War period bridle gauntlet, traditionally worn with a buff coat and breast and back plate by cavalry units and dragoons (mounted infantry of both sides). It would normally have only been worn by officers on the bridle hand (there is insufficient flexibility to carry and use a sword with this gauntlet).
There are 19th-century out-of-store marks (arrows butted point-to-point), indicating that this was sold off by the government at this time (ie the 19th century), possibly after the Great Fire of 1848, when the Tower of London authorities (Ordnance Store Department) had a big general clear out.
There is some damage at the elbow cuff, with about 2" of metal missing. There are also some lames missing from the finger elements. The amazing thing with this piece is to find so much original leatherwork. These would have been worn right up till James II's time (viz the Battle of the Boyne, c 1689).
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Militaria : Armour : British : 17th Century]
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