Top 10 Objects
Here are ten objects that have been chosen by our curators as examples of some of the finest objects in our collection.
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Tokugawa armour
Japanese armour that was a gift to James I of England, VI of Scotland.
Dates from 1610 | Object number: XXVIa.1
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Burmese bronze cannon
Bronze cannon in the form of a dragon.
Dates from 1790 | Object number: XIX.123
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Elephant armour
Our elephant armour is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest animal armour in the world.
Dates from 1600 | Object number: XXVIa.102
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Gothic armour
Armour for man and horse in the German ‘Gothic’ style of the late 15th century.
Dates from 1480 | Object number: II.3
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Horned helmet
The horned helmet was part of a gift from the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I to King Henry VIII of England.
Dates from 1514 | Object number: IV.22
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Lion armour
A golden 16th century armour embossed with lions heads. It is the finest decorated armour in the Royal Armouries collection.
Dates from 1550 | Object number: II.89
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Lyle basinet
The finest surviving 14th century basinet in the world.
Dates from 1370 | Object number: IV.470
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Tonlet armour
Worn by Henry VIII at the Field of Cloth of Gold in 1520.
Currently on display at the Tower of London 2 April 09 – 17 Jan 10.Dates from 1520 | Object number: II.7
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Ming sword
A Chinese 15th century Ming dynasty sword, decorated with gold and semi-precious stones.
Dates from 1420 | Object number: XXVIS.295
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1848 Colt Dragoon Pistol
Designed by Samuel Colt, this .44 calibre pistol was an immensely powerful handgun.
Dates from 1850 | Object number: XII.908