Cotton padding

[Gerry Embleton]

Dear all

The exchange of info has been most interesting and worthwhile. It is  
just the sort of constructive brainstorming that may AT TIMES seem  
trivial but often opens doors to new paths of research. Even seemingly  
trivial questions and observations can provoke responses from more  
knowledgeable members. So long as we can exchange views and ideas and  
LISTEN to each other we may all learn something. One example will  
suffice. Christian's question about cotton seeds. My first reaction was  
'what an irevelant question' - My second (and more intelligent  
reaction) was 'what an interesting point! I wish I had thought about it  
- it could be useful when considering how the cotton stuffing was  
processed. So please let's continue'.

I don't find the mention of buttons to hold up hose worthless of  
further enquiry I know of two other references, and very clear ones, of  
buttoned hose and I'd like to know if more exist.

STUFFING... I've examined helmet linings in private collections and  
some arming caps, all 16th century. The insides were visible on two -  
one raw wool - one horsehair, one or two felt very softy and springy -  
and could have been cotton or raw wool. I've read of wool soaked in  
vinegar (to keep vermin away?) but sadly I've no date for this. Many  
written references refer to cotton. Regulations are usually written to  
counter common practices that don't conform to the ideas of the writer.  
Since cotton was insisted upon I suspect that other materials were in  
common use. There are always guild-regulations against mal-practice.  
One can easily imagine unscrupulous contractors stuffing military jacks  
with almost anything at hand to keep the cost down... (ever was it thus  
-. and still is!)

We have only a very few surviving examples of padded armour and little  
idea of their original function, owners' status, or how commonly used  
they were. There are clues to be found in illustrations and of course  
texts. ALL sources should be considered... but used with caution of  
course.

Generalizing about the particular can be very dangerous. We re-enactors  
don't have the same priorities as medieval soldiers. We don't like  
sweat soaked jacks that stink and attract vermin. We can't choose the  
jacks we buy from a highly skilled competitive market. It's sometimes  
difficult to understand the importance or cost of commonplace objects  
and to appreciate the enormous specialized skills and experience that  
went into making them. We are unskilled amateurs groping around in the  
dark and we should welcome even the tiniest bit of light any friend can  
give.

More please!
Gerry
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Gerry Embleton - Time Machine AG
La Chaîne 15. CH-2515 Prêles. ++41 (0)32 315 23 93
www.time-machine.ch