Knight's Steel Gorget with Pauldron Straps

Knight's Steel Gorget with Pauldron Straps

The Cornerstone of Your Armour

This gorget, inspired by armour of the 14th and 15th centuries, is designed with functionality and comfort in mind. It consists of a front and a back plate that connect with leather straps and buckles, allowing you to easily adjust the size. A central crease not only adds to the aesthetic but also increases the structural rigidity and helps to deflect blows. The top edge is cleverly rolled and thickened to protect you from sharp edges and to sit comfortably on the neck, even over a gambeson.

Integrated Pauldron Straps

The greatest advantage of this model is the two sturdy leather straps riveted to the top of the gorget. These straps are specifically designed for buckling on your pauldrons (shoulder armour). Thanks to them, your pauldrons will stay exactly where they should be, won't slip, and will move naturally with your arms. It's a simple, historically accurate, and highly practical solution.

How to Use Your Gorget

This gorget is an indispensable part of any full suit of plate armour. Its primary function is to protect the vulnerable area of the neck, collarbones, and upper chest not covered by the helmet or cuirass. In this specific design, it also serves as the suspension system for your pauldrons, ensuring your entire harness forms a single, functional, and mobile unit. It is the ideal choice for a knight, man-at-arms, or mercenary character for LARP, reenactment, or cosplay.

A Glimpse into History: The Evolution of Neck Protection

In the early Middle Ages, a warrior's neck was mainly protected by a mail coif or an aventail attached to the helmet. However, with the development of weapons capable of crushing and piercing, it became clear that mail armour was not enough. In the 14th century, the solid plate gorget began to appear, offering much better protection. By the 15th century, it had become a standard and essential component that connected all parts of the harness—helmet, cuirass, and precisely the pauldrons, which were suspended from it just as they are on this replica.

Interesting Fact: The Key to Mobility

Although it may look restrictive, a well-fitted gorget was actually the key to a mobile suit of armour. By providing a stable platform for the shoulder armour to hang from, it allowed the arms to move freely without the pauldrons slipping or binding against the breastplate. The entire weight of the arm defences rested on the gorget, which in turn distributed that weight over the wearer's shoulders. It was a clever and simple solution that demonstrates the technical sophistication of late medieval armourers.

Caring for Your New Armour

To ensure your gorget serves you for a long time in all its glory, it requires some care. As it is made from mild steel, which is not rust-proof, protect it from moisture. Wipe it down inside and out with a dry cloth after each use. Regularly conserve the outer surface with a thin coat of oil (e.g., Ballistol or WD-40) to prevent corrosion. The interior is already treated with black paint from the manufacturer. Treat the leather straps with a leather conditioner from time to time.

Technical Specifications

• Material: Mild Steel (approx. 1 mm / 20 gauge), genuine leather straps
• Weight: approx. 650 g / 1.4 lbs
• Finish: Polished Steel (exterior), Blackened (interior)
• Front Plate Dimensions: approx. 31 x 30 cm / 12.2 x 11.8 in.
• Back Plate Dimensions: approx. 23.5 x 30 cm / 9.3 x 11.8 in.
• Straps: 2 cm (0.8 in.) wide, 4 mm thick leather
• Features: Two integrated straps for attaching pauldrons
• Manufacturer: Lord Of Battles®