16th century lobster tail cuisse armor

 

The development of armor continued in the 16th century. Due to the increased use of firearms in warfare as a result of advancement in firearms technology, armor became more protective, but at the same time, more decorative as well to express the status and aesthetic sense of the wearer, which was made easier by the invention of methods like acid etching of metal. In this century, due to increased centralization of European nations, creating mass armies began, and for protection of common members of armed forces, production of munition grade armor  increased.