14th Century Plate Shoulder Armour, Rondels

14th Century Plate Shoulder Armour, Rondels

Versatile Use in Combat and Display

The main advantage of these shoulder rondels lies in their versatility. You can easily attach them to the shoulders of your padded gambeson or directly onto your mail armour. In doing so, they perfectly cover the armpit, a well-known weak point in many types of armour. Thanks to their low weight and well-thought-out design, they won't restrict your freedom of movement. They are an ideal choice for historical combat (such as HEMA or Buhurt), LARP, and battles, as well as an impressive costume accessory for medieval fairs or a fine collector's piece for your armoury.

Protecting Vulnerable Points in the 14th Century

The rondel, or round plate, was a brilliantly simple and effective enhancement to medieval armour. Its primary purpose was to protect gaps and vulnerable spots not covered by the main plates. Most commonly, they were placed on the shoulders to guard the armpits. However, historical sources also document their attachment to other parts of the armour—they protected the joints of elbow cops, the backs of gauntlets, and even the sides or back of helmets like the armet. Their application was truly flexible, depending on the needs and preferences of the individual warrior.

The Mystery of Rondels on Armets

An interesting historical feature is the attachment of rondels to the back of the skull of late-Gothic helmets, known as armets. The exact purpose here is not entirely clear. Historians speculate they may have served as additional protection for the neck or to shield the leather straps used to secure the helmet. Whatever their function, it demonstrates the ingenuity of medieval armourers in their quest for the most complete protection possible.

Quality Craftsmanship and Armour Care

Technical Specifications:

• Material: Carbon Steel (plate thickness approx. 1.25 mm / 16 gauge), genuine leather
• Overall Diameter: approx. 20.5 cm
• Metal Part Diameter: approx. 18.2 cm
• Depth of Dishing (measured at the leather edge): approx. 4.5 cm
• Eyelet Diameter for cord: approx. 6.4 mm
• Weight (Pair): approx. 784 g
• The delivery includes: 2 rondels and 2 leather cords for attachment.
• A quality product by Lord Of Battles®

How to Care for Your Rondels:

To ensure your new rondels last as long as possible and retain their shine, proper care is essential. They are made from carbon steel, which is prone to rust. Therefore, wipe them down thoroughly with a dry cloth after each use and apply a thin layer of oil (e.g., mineral oil, gun oil, or WD-40). Store them in a dry environment to protect them from moisture. The leather parts can be occasionally treated with a suitable leather care product.