Steel Pauldrons with Besagews Clignet de Brabant, 14th-15th Century

Steel Pauldrons with Besagews Clignet de Brabant, 14th-15th Century

Transition Armor from the Turn of the 14th to 15th Century

The design of these steel pauldrons is directly inspired by historical armoring techniques used around 1380 to 1410. This product is crafted in honor of Clignet de Brabant, a lesser-known yet formidable French knight and Admiral who distinguished himself in key engagements of the Hundred Years' War.

This style of shoulder defense is a textbook example of transition armor. During this era, armorsmiths began adding shaped plate components over traditional mail hauberks to better disperse heavy blunt impacts and thrusts from polearms and swords.

Construction, Mounting, and Practical Application

Each pauldron consists of a main shoulder cop articulated with three lower lames. These steel segments are riveted onto heavy internal leather straps. The set includes two separate circular armpit shields—besagews (also known as rondels)—which attach to the main shoulder cop using durable leather laces.

To mount the pauldrons, lace the top leather tab to the shoulders of your gambeson, arming doublet, or brigandine using arming points. Secure the lower leather strap around your bicep using the steel buckle for a snug fit that stays in place during movement without restricting circulation.

Historical Trivia

The armpit besagew was a deceptively simple solution to a fatal problem on the medieval battlefield. The armpit void was one of the most dangerous gaps in a knight's defense—a thrust piercing the axillary artery resulted in rapid bleeding. Suspended loosely, the besagew effectively deflected direct thrusts without hindering shoulder joint rotation required for swordplay.

Technical Specifications

Size Specifications

Care and Safety Guidelines

Wipe all steel components clean with a dry cloth after every use. Apply a thin layer of mineral oil, gun oil, or protective wax to the exterior polished surface to prevent tarnish and rust. Treat leather straps periodically with beeswax leather conditioner. Store in a cool, dry place.

Safety Warning: Please note that these pauldrons are not certified protective armor intended for high-impact full-contact combat sports such as Buhurt, Battle of the Nations, or similar. They are designed for historical reenactment, LARP, stage combat, and costume display. For optimal comfort and shock absorption, we ALWAYS recommend wearing a suitable padded undergarment, such as a gambeson or arming doublet, beneath the armor.

Recommended Accessories

To complete your knightly outfit from the turn of the 15th century, we recommend pairing these pauldrons with a 14th-century padded gambeson, a 14th-century arming brigandine, and 14th-century leather arming laces with brass aglets.