Gauntlet, 1645 (c)

This gauntlet belonged to a harquebusier (light cavalryman). It protected the hand in which he held his reins. It is from a set of armour that also includes back and breastplates and a helmet. Medieval knights also wore gauntlets. When one knight wanted to challenge another in combat, he would throw down his gauntlet and the challenge was accepted if the other knight picked it up. This is the origin of our expression 'to throw down the gauntlet', meaning to make a serious challenge.