The 17th century in Europe has always been a much-neglected period among the historical miniaturists. I too, must admit that I ignored all about that era until I took up the research for the PiLiPiLi earlier Musketeer bust.

A whole world opened up before me, full of cloaked swordmen, feathered hats, drooping boots and dashing Errol-Flynn type characters

. Here 'tis once again, the ultimate swashbuckler, this time in 120mm full figure!

Following are some excerpts from the instruction sheet concerning details of the 17th century military dress which, I hope, will be helpful to anyone tackling a similar subject.

Best wishes, Quang

'The normal military dress in the first half of the seventeenth century was the civilian dress of the time, adopted for battle with purely functional arms, armour, equipment and identifying marks.

The doublet, a narrow jacket with slashed body and sleeves, was worn over a linen or silk shirt of which only laced collar and cuffs were visible.

The breeches, a wide short trouser, were buttoned and laced along the outer seam and, like the doublet, might be opened to display a coloured lining.

Coarse wool hoses were worn below the knees and Œboot-hose¹ could be drawn over them for protection. These Œfalse boots¹ made of soft leather were often worn flopped down keeping with fashion. The square-toed boots had red soles and heels, a French court fashion that spread to other European courts. The spurs had large rowels and butterfly-shaped guard leathers.

The civilian dress is rounded off by a "cavalier" hat complete with ostrich plume and decorated hat band.

Over this extravagant clothing, the armour was more functional. The buff coat made of layered, stiff hide, reached the top of the thighs and had winged shoulders.

Of the original heavy metal armour only a large gorget was retained and worn under the laced collar. It¹s interesting to note that during the centuries which followed, the gorget was reduced in size and would finally become an insignia and a symbol of rank, notably in the British and Prussian armies.

The famous "épée wallonne" (Dutch broadsword) was introduced during the Thirty Years War and became the standard weapon in many European armies. It was worn on a lavishly decorated, frogged leather cross belt. Sometimes, only two of the four or six "frogs" were used so that the sword would hang vertically to give its wearer a cocky "sword - rattler" attitude!

The military sash was an identifying mark. Usual colours were white (France), red (Spain), light blue (Sweden) and orange (Holland).'

Cavalier