A metal-thread appliqué and silk gentleman's military baldrick, English circa 1600 - 1640

General condition: Worn, faded and distressed. The appliqué metal threads are lacking in areas, loose in others and the silver-gilt areas are tarnished. Gilt threads still retain sparkle is areas. Cloth of gold silk ground distressed with sections lost revealing tabby weave support textile beneath. Overall length: 280cm., 6ft. 10in. (forming loop as joined at end) Constructed with layer of ivory coloured silk on reverse, leather in centre and panel of plain tabby weave support textile with gold coloured silk layer applied as top surface (largely lacking and distressed), to which the metal thread designs have been applied and couched with yellow silk threads (visible on reverse). All joined together at sides with cream silk edging, but section of this lacking revealing layer formation. Central section of baldrick (approx. 160cm. long; 5ft. 3in.), which goes over shoulder, widens at both ends. One end separating into small tabs with demi-lune ends (approx. 11.5cm. long, 9.5cm. wide), and with additional square sections attached (approx. 19cm. high, 14.5cm. wide). There is a gap between the tabs, at this end for sword hilt to emerge, (approx. 24cm. long, 1.5cm. wide). The other end of the baldrick ends with demi-lune end, and is applied to a continuing section (approx. 31cm. long, 14.5cm. wide), which joins with the canted squared section of the other end, forming a closed loop.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This elaborate baldrick, an item worn when going into battle to show status militarily and socially could have been worn by a family member during the period of the Civil Wars. The two contenders for this distinction would be Jacob Astley, 1st Lord Astley of Reading who was Governor of Plymouth, Sargent Major General of the Royalist Army 1642, and commander of Royalist infantry at the Battle of Naseby (1645) or his cousin Sir Isaac Astley.