Elements from the Great Garniture of Baron Kaspar Völs-Schenkenberg

A great garniture consisted of a field armor to which numerous custom-made parts were added, permitting the armor's adaptation for use in multiple combat and sporting roles. While each part served its particular function, the items had to fit and harmonize with each other. The decorative treatment also had to match; note the beautiful etched, blackened bands common to the various elements of this garniture. Although several parts of this great garniture have been lost, much of it has survived with some pieces residing in Baltimore and St. Petersburg. The elements shown here include a close helmet, parts of a heavy field armor, and an armor for the free tourney and tilt. Understandably expensive, garnitures like this usually were only made for well-to-do clients.