Čeština
Deutsch
15th Century Plate Knee Armour (Poleyns), 1.6 mm Steel - Outlet
Protect your knees, one of the most vulnerable joints in combat, with this pair of 15th-century style plate poleyns. In an age when a full suit of plate armour was a luxury for a select few, this type of modular protection represented an effective and affordable alternative for common foot soldiers, archers, and mercenaries. These poleyns are crafted from strong 1.6 mm steel, and thanks to their fully articulated construction and extended coverage for the thighs and shins, they provide you with excellent protection without restricting your mobility. Further product information ...
15th Century Plate Knee Armour (Poleyns), 1.6 mm Steel
Who Is This Knee Armour For?
No matter who you are on the battlefield, your knees need solid protection. These poleyns are ideal for:
- Historical Reenactment and Combat: Perfect for portraying an infantryman, a member of a city militia, or a mercenary from the late medieval period. They are an excellent addition to a gambeson and brigandine.
- LARP Battles: If you don't want to be weighed down by a full leg harness but still want to protect your key joints, these poleyns are the ideal compromise between protection, weight, and price.
- HEMA and Training: The articulated construction allows for a full range of motion, including kneeling and rapid changes in stance, which is crucial for combat training.
Historical Context and Design
The economic reality of the Middle Ages meant that most combatants could not afford a complete suit of plate armour. Instead, they focused on protecting vital parts of the body. The knee, being a complex joint essential for movement, was one of the first areas to be protected with steel plates, known as poleyns. This model is an excellent example. It consists of five parts: a central domed "cop" covers the kneecap itself, while two upper and two lower plates (lames) protect part of the thigh and shin. The characteristic side "fan" is a typical 15th-century innovation designed to defend the side of the knee joint from blows.
A Tidbit from History
Did you know that the 15th century experienced a real boom in armour production? Cities like Milan in Italy and Augsburg in Germany became huge centres of the craft, where plates were produced almost in series. This led to greater standardisation and availability of individual armour pieces, such as these poleyns. As a result, even less wealthy soldiers could afford high-quality protection, which gave them a much greater chance of survival on the battlefield.
Technical Specifications
This pair of plate poleyns is handcrafted for maximum durability and functionality. It is a quality product by Lord of Battles®.
- Material: 1.6 mm (16 gauge) mild steel
- Construction: Fully articulated, 5 segments per leg joined by rivets
- Overall Height: approx. 45 cm (~17.7 in)
- Side Fan Dimensions: approx. 13 x 17 cm (~5.1 x 6.7 in)
- Weight (Pair): approx. 4.1 kg (~9.0 lbs)
- Attachment: 3 adjustable leather straps with steel buckles
- Finish: Polished steel, with a blackened interior for corrosion resistance
For maximum comfort and to prevent chafing, we recommend wearing these poleyns over padded leggings or chausses.
How to Care for Your Armour
To keep your armour in good condition, regular care is important. Keep the steel parts dry and treat them with a thin layer of preservative oil after use. Pay special attention to the rivets and articulated joints to keep them clean and functional. Treat the leather straps regularly with a suitable leather care product to maintain their flexibility and prevent cracking.
We are here for you!
