The Pre-Norman Period is, in reality, composed of a number of preparatory eras which paved the way for the Norman period, the first to use complete suits of protective covering. The Greeks with their Bœotian helms and cuirasses, the Romans with their "skullcap" helmets, the Saxons and Danes with their head, chest, and leg coverings, all led up to the armour as we see it depicted by the Bayeux Tapestry. This period is of little interest to collectors, as specimens are quite unobtainable.
The Norman Period introduced the peculiar but distinctive helmet, conical in shape and provided with a nose protection or "nasal." The body covering was worn from head to toes, the feet and legs being enveloped in "chausses" made of a pliable substance provided with a generous supply of metal studs. The shield was, of course, an important feature of the Norman dress; it was more or less heart-shaped, and bent so as to fit round the body.
The Chain Mail Period.—Between 1180 and 1250 the armour suit underwent considerable changes. The Norman conical helmet gave place to the heaume, which usually had a flat surface, squared at the top, curved lines under the chin, and peepholes or ocularia in front. A surcoat or tunic, without sleeves, which was fitted over the usual armour, was also a feature of this era. But, of course, the introduction of chain mail was the outstanding point of interest.
Chain Mail Reinforced.—This period saw the gradual introduction of heaumes with curved crowns, often bearing ornamental devices, or ailettes to protect the shoulders and neck, of banded mail, and of chain mail reinforced with sections of plate.
The Cyclas Period.—"Probably at no time in the history of defensive armour," says Ashdown,[8] "has it presented a more picturesque appearance than during the brief ten years of the Cyclas Period. Fitting closely to the figure, the various garments followed the outlines of the human form, and in no parts showed any marked peculiarities or eccentricities. The evolution of the style was undoubtedly derived from the experience gained during the Chain Mail Period, when that defence was proved to be ineffectual against the terrible effects of lance and sword. Both of these weapons, even if they did not actually pierce the mail, either bruised the body or broke bones, and thereby incapacitated the wearer; while the protection afforded by the loosely hanging folds of the surcoat of previous periods, especially against sword-cuts, had been duly noted. Hence, during the Cyclas Period we meet with the introduction of multitudinous coverings, whereby the lance, the sword, and the arrow were opposed by plate and mail, and by various padded garments of a textile nature."
[8] "British and Foreign Arms and Armour," p. 139.
A FLINT-LOCK PISTOL.
