Brass Aiglets for Laces & Arming Points, 38 mm, 10 Pack

Brass Aiglets for Laces & Arming Points, 38 mm, 10 Pack

What Aiglets Are Used For

These brass cord ends are a key functional and aesthetic element of historical clothing. Their uses are extensive:

• Lacing Garments: They are indispensable for lacing up medieval doublets, pourpoints, hosen, and other clothing that was fastened with laces instead of buttons.
• Attaching Armour: Knights used laces tipped with aiglets, known as arming points, to tie individual pieces of plate armour to their gambeson or arming jack.
• Practical Function: The rigid tip acts like a needle, allowing for quick and easy threading even through very small, hand-sewn eyelets.
• Protecting Your Laces: They effectively prevent the ends of your laces from fraying and deteriorating with use.

Aiglets in History

The aiglet was a completely standard part of clothing from the Middle Ages through the late Renaissance. In an era before the widespread use of buttons, most fitted clothing was fastened with laces. Aiglets were made from various materials—from simple brass for common folk to silver and gold for the nobility. They were not only a practical necessity but also a reflection of one's social status.

An Interesting Fact: The Aiglet as a Jewel

While most aiglets were plain and functional, wealthy citizens and nobles could afford luxurious versions decorated with engravings, precious stones, or even shaped into tiny figures. A set of gold aiglets on a garment was a clear symbol of wealth, much like expensive watches or cufflinks are today. Shakespeare even mentions a decorative "aglet-baby" in his play *The Taming of the Shrew*.

How to Attach the Aiglets

Attaching these aiglets is easy and can be done with basic tools. The toothed "castle top" edge helps to get a better grip on the cord's material.

1. Prepare the Cord: The end of the cord should be clean and not frayed. You can taper it slightly to make it fit into the aiglet more easily.
2. Position the Aiglet: Slide the aiglet onto the end of the cord until it sits snugly.
3. Secure It: Using pliers (ideally with smooth jaws or wrapped in leather to avoid scratching the brass), carefully crimp the aiglet in one or two places. Another method is to use the small hole on the side to sew the aiglet to the cord with a sturdy thread, or to drive a tiny pin or rivet through it. For a modern and extra-strong bond, a drop of super glue can also be used.

Care and Material

The aiglets are made of solid brass. This material will naturally develop a patina over time, which is often desirable for an authentic historical look. If you wish to maintain their shine, simply polish them from time to time with a soft cloth and a suitable brass polish. Avoid using coarse or abrasive materials.

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Metal Aiglet / Lace Tip
• Pack Quantity: 10 pieces
• Material: Solid Brass
• Length: approx. 38 mm (3.8 cm / 1.4 inches)
• Inner Diameter (at opening): approx. 5 mm
• Outer Diameter (at opening): approx. 5.4 mm
• Ideal for: Cords of approx. 4 mm in diameter