Gothic Plate Gorget with Bevor, 15th Century Steel Armour

Gothic Plate Gorget with Bevor, 15th Century Steel Armour

Detailed Product Description

This plate gorget, also known as a halsberge, consists of two perfectly shaped parts that work together to protect the entire neck area, as well as the upper chest and back.

• Fixed Gorget: The lower section, which securely covers the collarbones, the top of the sternum, and the nape. The front plate is elegantly shaped into a point, and at its lower edge, you will find two holes for lacing the gorget to a gambeson or cuirass.
• Falling Bevor: The upper, fully articulated part that protects the chin, mouth, and cheeks. Thanks to heavy-duty pivoting rivets, you can easily lower it to breathe, drink, or speak freely, and just as quickly raise it again for maximum protection in the "fray".

The upper edge of the bevor is carefully rolled, which increases its structural strength and safety during wear. The inside is coated with black paint to prevent corrosion. It fastens around the neck with an adjustable leather strap and a period-appropriate steel buckle.

How Can You Use This Gorget?

This piece of armour is the ideal companion to open-faced helmets such as the sallet, barbute, or kettle hat, providing essential protection for the face and neck. It is a perfect choice for:

• Historical reenactment and living history events
• LARP (Live Action Role-Playing) characters like knights and men-at-arms
• Theatrical and film costumes
• An impressive decorative and collector's item

Important Notice

Please note that this is a costume replica armour. This gorget is not certified as personal protective equipment and is not intended for full-contact combat, buhurt, HMB (Historical Medieval Battle), or other forms of rigorous combat sports.

Technical Specifications

The gorget is made in one universal size that fits most people, thanks to its adjustable strap.

The Gorget Through History

Plate gorgets began to appear more widely during the 14th century and became an absolutely crucial and indispensable part of plate armour in the 15th century. They definitively replaced the older and less resilient maille protection for the neck, providing robust defence against both cutting and thrusting attacks from swords, axes, and lances. The combination of a gorget with a falling bevor and a German sallet is still considered the iconic look of the late Gothic knight. This pairing offered excellent protection for the entire head and neck while maintaining a good field of vision and the ability to communicate easily when the bevor was lowered.

A Historical Tidbit

The term "bevor" (sometimes spelled "beaver") comes from the Old French word bavière, which translates to "bib". This rather humble name aptly describes the basic function of this piece of armour—to protect the chin and mouth, much like a bib protects clothing.

How to Care for Your Armour

To ensure your gorget serves you for a long time and continues to look great, just follow a few simple steps:

1. After each use, wipe the armour down carefully with a dry, clean cloth to remove sweat and any moisture.
2. Apply a thin layer of protective oil (Ballistol, WD-40, or even a simple mineral or vegetable oil will work well) to the exterior and interior steel surfaces. This will prevent rust from forming.
3. Store the gorget in a dry, well-ventilated place. Never leave it in a damp bag!
4. Treat the leather strap with a leather conditioner from time to time to keep it supple and prevent cracking.