14th-15th Century Pauldrons with Rondels (Besagews) - Outlet

14th-15th Century Pauldrons with Rondels (Besagews)

Practical Use

These pauldrons are the ideal choice for reenactment, LARP, theatre, or as part of a sophisticated costume for historical fairs. Their appearance perfectly matches the armour of knights and men-at-arms from the Hundred Years' War era. Thanks to a well-designed attachment system, you can easily tie them to your gambeson or brigandine and secure them with a strap around your bicep for maximum stability in motion.

Important Notice: These shoulder plates are a costume and collectible replica. They are not certified or intended for contact fighting, buhurt, Battle of the Nations, or any other form of full-contact combat.

Detailed Product Description

Every element of these pauldrons has been crafted with an emphasis on historical authenticity and functionality for costume use.

Construction and Mobility

• Articulation for Freedom of Movement: The main shoulder cop is supplemented by three smaller lames. These segments are riveted together onto strong leather straps, allowing you a full and unrestricted range of arm motion.
• Armpit Protection – Rondels: The set includes two detachable circular discs (rondels or besagews), which are tied to the main pauldron with a leather cord. Their purpose is to protect the armpit, a notorious weak point in most harnesses.
• Material and Attachment: The pauldrons are made from 1.6 mm (16 gauge) steel. At the top, you'll find a leather tab with holes for pointing (tying) to your arming garment, and the bottom lame features a riveted leather strap with a steel buckle to secure it to the arm. The inside is painted black to prevent corrosion.

Size and Specification Table

Measurements are taken over the curve of the plates for the most accurate representation. For a clear idea, please refer to the measurement diagram image.

A Glimpse into History

The 14th century was an era of great innovation in armour-making. While knights were still largely protected by maille, plate components began to appear at key locations. Pauldrons like these are a prime example of so-called "transitional armour." They offered significantly better protection against crushing blows than maille alone but did not yet have the full complexity and coverage of later Gothic harnesses.

A Point of Interest: The rondel protecting the armpit, known as a besagew, was a brilliantly simple solution to a critical problem. A strike to the axillary artery was almost certain death. The tied-on disc could deflect arrows and weapon points without restricting the arm movement necessary for wielding a sword or lance. It was an effective and inexpensive safety upgrade.

Caring for Your New Armour

To keep your pauldrons in pristine condition, proper care is essential. After each use, wipe them down with a dry cloth. Periodically apply a thin coat of oil (WD-40, mineral oil, or gun oil works well) to the metal surfaces to prevent rust. Keep the leather parts supple with leather care products. Store the armour in a dry environment.