The detail of Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt’s armour, The Palace Armoury at the Grandmaster's Palace, Valletta, Malta. The armour suit was made at the beginning of the 17th century and was russeted, etched and gilded to be worn during parades and other official occasions, and, if it was necessary, in some cases (e.g. at the time of masses) together with richly decorated clothing. Thus, being less noticeable in such a situation, the armour served as a protection against enemy's attempts to kill, which could happen even in churches in these troubled times