London, G. Bell and Sons, Ltd., 1920. — xxxi, 347 p.
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The antiquary Sir Guy Francis Laking (1875-1919) grew up under the shadow of royalty, with his father serving as physician to Queen Victoria and her two successors, and studied antiques and art from an early age. Initially an art advisor at Christie's, Laking became internationally recognized as a leading expert on arms and armour while still a young man, and in 1900 was appointed honourary inspector of the armouries at the Wallace Collection, then recently bequeathed to the nation. In 1902 Edward VII created the post of Keeper of the King's Armoury at Windsor especially for him. In 1911 he became the first keeper and secretary at the London Museum, the greatest holder of that office, and essentially the museum's founder.
"While organizing the new museum, Laking was also involved in, among other things, gathering material for what was to be the other achievement for which he will be most remembered: his magnum opus,
A Record of European Armour and Arms through Seven Centuries. It was unfinished at his death - he lived only to see an advance copy of the first volume - and was completed by his literary executor, F. H. Cripps-Day. It remains the largest and most fully illustrated survey of its subject ever published" (ODNB).
The Salade Head-Piece
The Head-Piece Called The Chapel-De-Fer or Chapawe
The Armet Head-Piece From The Eariy Years Of The XVth Century to the Commencement of the Next Century
The Helm of the XVth Century
Chain Mail and Interlined Textile Defences
The Gauntle
The True Shield of The XVth Century
The Sword of The XVth Century
Swords of Ceremony in England