Tilting suit, c.1560-80 (steel, leather straps & brass rivets)

Although all from the same period, not all parts are from the same suit. The suit shows the asymmetry of jousting armour. The participants rode along a wall-like barrier known as a 'tilt' with their left sides facing one another. Consequently, armour on that side of the body had to be thicker. Note the large plate (grandguard) over the left shoulder for extra protection. Also, the breathing holes in the helmet were placed on the right side (farthest from an opponent's lance) to avoid injuries from splinters. The bracket attached to the right breastplate is called the lance-rest, a shock-absorbing support designed to accommodate the lance when couched under the right armpit.