Leather coat (armor)
| Leather coat (armor) | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Weapon type: | Protective weapon |
| Designations: | Leather coat, buff coat, jerkin |
| Use: | armor |
| Region of origin / author: |
England , military |
| Distribution: | Europe, USA |
| Lists on the subject | |
The leather coat ( English Buff Coat or Jerkin ) is a protective weapon from early modern England .
description
The leather jacket is made of tanned and lined cowhide . Three main versions were in common use: long sleeves, short sleeves, and a collarless variation. It was developed in England in the 17th century and served as an undergarment for the armor of cavalry and pikemen , and later also of the musketeers . The leather coat was introduced as a piece of military equipment during the reign of the House of Tudor (1485-1603). In addition, a breastplate , a helmet ( Zischägge , called "Lobster tail helmet" in England), gauntlets and often armored cuirassier boots were worn. The strong cowhide offered protection against sword blows, but not against projectiles from firearms . In the course of time its use expanded across Europe and also into the army of George Washington . Nobles often wore embroidered and richly decorated versions. This leather coat was worn by all social classes. Oliver Cromwell , England's first Lord Protector, is depicted on several monuments wearing such a piece of clothing (see photo).
literature
- John Tincey, Ironsides: English Cavalry 1588-1688 , Osprey Publishing, 2002, ISBN 978-1-84176-213-5
- Marko Zlatich, Peter F. Copeland, General Washington's army, Volume 1 , Osprey Publishing, 1994, page 14, ISBN 978-1-85532-384-1
- Stuart Reid, Graham Turner, Scots Armies of the English Civil Wars , Osprey Publishing, 1999, pages 31, 39, ISBN 978-1-85532-836-5