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15th Century "Jack Chains" Arm Armor
Are you looking for light, functional, and historically accurate arm protection that won't break your bank? These arm protectors, known as "Jack Chains," are the ideal choice for your late medieval mercenary, archer, or man-at-arms persona. They offer a great compromise between protection, mobility, and cost, just like their 15th-century historical counterparts. Further product information ...
15th Century "Jack Chains" Arm Armor
Light and Functional Protection
This piece of partial plate armor is designed to protect the most vulnerable parts of your arms without restricting your movement. It consists of four main parts: an anatomically shaped spaulder (shoulder plate) and a couter (elbow plate), both decorated with elegant fluting to increase their rigidity. These key plates are connected by smaller segments using loose steel rings, ensuring excellent flexibility. The entire construction is hand-forged from 1.2mm (18 gauge) steel, making it unexpectedly lightweight.
Easy to Fasten and Comfortable to Wear
Donning this armor is quick and intuitive. The upper shoulder piece is easily tied ("pointed") to your gambeson or arming doublet using leather cords. The rest of the protection then hangs freely, naturally following the line of your arm. Thanks to its low weight of just 920 grams for the pair, you can wear them all day at an event without undue fatigue.
For the Mercenary and the Reiver
This arm armor is perfect for reenactment and LARP, especially when you are portraying a character who couldn't afford a full, expensive harness of plate. It's ideal for men-at-arms, crossbowmen, English longbowmen, or rugged Border Reivers. They are a great addition to a chainmail shirt or a gambeson.
Important notice: Due to the 1.2 mm material thickness and open design, this armor is intended for costume use, LARP, and light historical fencing. It is not suitable for and does not provide sufficient protection for full-contact combat sports like HMB, buhurt, or Battle of the Nations.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Length | Approx. 61-63 cm (24-25 in) |
| Spaulder (Shoulder) | Approx. 14 cm × 16 cm |
| Couter (Elbow) | Approx. 16.4 cm × 12.5 cm |
| Material Thickness | Approx. 1.2 mm (18 gauge) |
| Weight (Pair) | Approx. 920 g (2 lbs) |
Armor for Those Who Couldn't Afford More
In the late Middle Ages, a full suit of plate armor was extremely expensive, affordable only by knights and the wealthy nobility. Common soldiers, like levies and mercenaries, had to find cheaper solutions. "Jack chains," attached to a padded coat (a "jack"), were a brilliantly simple answer. They protected the arms from cutting blows delivered from above, which was the most common form of attack in the chaos of battle.
A Tidbit from History
This type of armor was particularly favored by the infamous Border Reivers, the raiding clans operating on the Anglo-Scottish border in the 16th and 17th centuries. For their fast and brutal raids, light and inconspicuous protection that could be worn over civilian clothing was absolutely ideal.
Caring for Your New Armor
To ensure your new arm armor serves you well and doesn't rust, keep it dry. After each use, wipe it down with a dry cloth and lightly coat it with a thin layer of preservative oil, such as Ballistol. This will ensure it's ready for your next battle or adventure.
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