An Early 17th Century English Pikemans Breastplate & Tassets by Richard Taylor. The breastplate with medial ridge terminating in a deep vestigial peascod with a broad flange for attachment of the tastes, with typical wide low neck and arm openings have plain inward turns, retaining two stud with swivel hooks for attachment of backplate, two broad, deep tassets, embossed with eight simulated lames, decorated with rivets and are attached by four riveted hinged hasps. It is likely that they were originally fitted with swivel hook hasps but these were replaced during its working life with hinges. 

External Marks: The breastplate and unusually both tassets are struck with the ’T’ mark. T is the mark of Richard Taylor. The neck of the breastplate is also struck with ‘IR; Tower of London Arsenal mark. 

Internal Marks: The breastplate and tassets appear to be homogenous as they are incised with ‘II’ armourers construction marks.