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Page 16 The Antique Shoppe April, 2017
Full Metal Jousting

By Jeff Figler

Have you ever been to fight for their king during their courage and talent. Jousting as a form However, an actual
a theme party? war, and jousting provided Sometimes there were of combat training jousting helmet from
Well, they can be lots the knights the opportunity dangerous consequences. diminished. Competitive the 16 century fetched
th
of fun if you have a party to stay in shape and hone For example, England’s jousting disappeared by $3200, while another one
that has a King Henry VIII suffered the middle of the 17 went for $7500. It had
th
Western, or a severe leg injury when century as well, and three riveted steel pieces,
Hawaiian, or a horse fell on him. His jousting became more a high lace guard and
maybe even health declined from that of a court spectacle than holes for leather straps.
a Medieval point. The most famous anything else. The bidding started
theme. royal jousting fatality was Despite the fact that at $275 and ended at
Medieval, to King Henry II of France. jousting has become a $7500.
you say? While he was participating thing of the past (except In 2014 a complete
That is in a 1559 joust to celebrate for theme parties), jousting set of armor
exactly what the marriage collectors are still drawn to was auctioned. The item
Linda and I did of his the sport. consisted of 5 pieces,
a few years Jousting including a breast and
ago. People items do not backplate, neck guard,
came dressed appear often shield and helmet. The
in royalty in auctions, German suit was from
costumes, and the food their skills. It was a way but when the 1500s. There were
was in big platters and to train for combat. It they do, items only a few bids for the
buckets. And surprisingly also started being a form are sold for item, with the opening
enough, there was no of entertainment. high prices. bid being $6000. It would
silverware like we use Jousting tournaments For example, end up selling for $8000.
today. No knives, forks, or were held as early as a copy of Naturally, the item is a
spoons. You ate with your 1066, and actually were a jousting great conversation piece.
hands. It really wasn’t as formal events. Nobles helmet was Maybe the high bidder
bad as you might think. needed to obtain permits sold for $575 for the suit of armor
Of course, after as well as issue challenge at a Heritage wanted to be invited to a
everybody had had to fellow landowners. The auction in Medieval theme party.
enough to eat it was time most skilled knights 2012. No, I was not the high
for the entertainment. were the ones who bidder.
Sure. Jousting. fought. Sometimes a
We modified the neutral jouster was
arrangements a little. selected to fight
There were two for the highest
contestants, fully bidder. Those
padded, who looked neutral jousters
like Sumo wrestlers. were known as
However, they carried “freelancers”, a term
long plastic lances. They used today.
jousted, or battled, on Successful jousters
an air mattresses. The became very popular
contestant standing the and were promoted
longest won. by heralds, similar
Naturally, the to sports journalists
“warfare” at our party did nowadays.
not resemble in the least Rivalries were
Medieval jousting. It was established among daughter to the King of
fun, not deadly. jousters, and jousters Spain, he received a fatal
So, how did jousting “circuits” were formed. The wound when a sliver of his
get started and evolve? most successful jousters opponent’s lance broke off
The roots of jousting even received money, land, and pierced him in the eye.
were from the Middle and even titles. Ouch!
Ages, when the primary By the 14 century, even Jousting began to
th
battlefield weapons members of the nobility, decline in the 16 century
th
were used by the cavalry. including kings, had with the development
Knights were expected to taken up jousting to show of firearms and muskets.