Parade armor and tack made for King Erik XIV of Sweden

Due to its artistic merits, this suit of armor is undoubtedly the main work in the Dresden Armoury.It was not commissioned by a Saxon ruler, but by the Swedish King Erik XIV. The Swedish monarch from the house of Vasa had hoped to be courteously equipped when he asked for the hand of Queen Elizabeth I of England. The complete parade armor for man and horse was taken as war booty by the Danish king during a sea battle with Sweden. The core of the armor is made of iron and was then generously embossed, chased, etched, and gilt. The decoration consists predominantly of relief scenes and large figural medallions.