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Leather jerkin

81A2592

The remains of 46 leather jerkins were recovered from the Mary Rose, this being one of the more complete examples.

It is one of several that featured a pocket, although sadly it was empty when found. While this is a rather plain example, some were decorated with slits, while one was marked with the cross of St George. As it was found in proximity to a large iron gun, and the impression of a powder horn was found in the leather, it is believed that this was the jerkin of a master gunner. Whether the crosses were a badge of office or just personal preference is unknown, though the former is more likely.