Early Medieval "Visby" Pauldrons – 16 Gauge Steel – Pair
Is your chainmail no longer enough to make you feel secure on the battlefield? Are you looking to upgrade your protection without the bulk and cost of a full plate harness? These reinforced shoulder plates, inspired by the transitional armor of the 13th and 14th centuries, are the perfect solution. Their elongated teardrop shape is designed to deflect blows away from the shoulder joint while offering maximum mobility. Whether you are portraying a man-at-arms during the wars of the 14th century or a fantasy warrior in a LARP, these pauldrons bridge the gap between the age of mail and the age of plate. Further product information ...
Early Medieval "Visby" Pauldrons – 16 Gauge Steel – Pair
Design and Attachment
Forged from sturdy 16-gauge mild steel (approx. 1.6 mm), these pauldrons are built to withstand the rigors of reenactment combat. The contoured, domed shape provides excellent structural strength and encourages weapons to glance off harmlessly.
How to wear them:
These pauldrons utilize a historical "pointing" system. They feature holes at the top fitted with genuine leather ties. You can lace them directly onto your maille, or ideally, to arming points on your gambeson. This floating attachment style ensures the armor moves with you, preventing the restrictions often caused by strapped armor.
Historical Context: The Legacy of Visby
These pauldrons are named after the Battle of Visby (1361), where archaeological excavations revealed a treasure trove of transitional armor types. The fighters at Visby wore various forms of reinforced mail and coats of plates. Simple steel caps like these were a common and effective way to add rigid protection to vulnerable areas before the advent of full articulated plate armor.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Mild Steel |
| Thickness | 16 Gauge |
| Length (A) | 10.25 inches |
| Outer Curve Width (B) | 4.3 inches |
| Inner Curve Width (C) | 7.1 inches |
| Finish | Polished or Blackened (select option) |
| Attachment | Genuine Leather Ties |
Care Instructions
To prevent rust, always wipe the steel dry after use and apply a light coat of oil (such as mineral oil or a dedicated armour preservative). Store in a dry environment. Inspect the leather ties periodically and treat them with leather conditioner to prevent cracking.
Safety Note: While 16-gauge steel is durable, due to the leather tie attachment method, these are classified as suitable for reenactment and light combat. They are not recommended for full-contact heavy combat (Buhurt/HMB) where straps and solid mounting are essential.
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