Gervase Markham, in his THE S0ULDIERS ACCIDENCE (1625) states: "pikemen shall have good combe-caps for their heade, well lined with quilted caps, curaces for their bodies of nimble and good mould, being pike proof' large and well compact gordgetts for their neckes, fayre and close joyned taches, to arm to the mid-thigh, as for the pauldron or the vantbrace, they may be spared, because they are but cumbersome. All this armour is to be russet, sanguine or blacke colour, than white or milled, for it will keepe the longer from rust."
(Also in THR ENGLISH CIVIL WAR / Haythornthwalte. Blandford 1983 p25)

It is generally assumed by Re-enactment societies and Wargamers that most armour available, be it flbre-glass or the increasingly common metal suits, must be painted black. Not only is it easier to paint but it looks good! But here we have two more methods of rust-proofing.

Does anyone know exactly the finish or even methods of 'Russetting' or 'Sanguining?' The plate of a Cornet (25) in the above book may show Russetlng but how common was it? and did it actually prevent rust or merely enable it to blend in with rest of the armour!

More Queries:

1. Political Colours
2. Naval Standards
3. James Naylor
4. Knapsack Boys
5. Colouring of Armour
6. Prince Rupert's Foote
7. Freemasonry

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