Pair of gloves, embroidered kidskin, 1600-1620, British; Silk, silver-gilt on silk gauntlet, lace A pair of kidskin gloves with applied white silk tabbed gauntlet, embroidered with coloured silks and silver-gilt thread, purl and spangles in a floral pattern. The gauntlet is lined with pale pink silk and edged with silver-gilt bobbin lace and spangles. Gloves could serve several purposes in early 17th century Britain, apart from the obvious ones of protection and warmth. Many were solely decorative, to display the wealth and status of their owner. They were worn in the hat or belt, as well as carried in the hand. Gloves were popular as gifts and were exchanged as a gesture of engagement or wedding present. In combat, a glove was thrown down as a gage, or challenge. Ornately embroidered gloves served official purposes, signifying the holding of a civic office or membership in the local freemanry. They were also a popular New Year’s gift to the monarch. Gloves were frequently given as a sign of royal favour. The wardrobe accounts for Charles I record the making of more than 1,000 pairs of gloves during a three-year period.