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Polished Plate Gauntlets: Medieval Hand Protection from Toledo
If you are looking for the perfect accessory for your knight or nobleman costume, these polished plate gauntlets from the world-renowned brand Marto® are an excellent choice. Crafted with a focus on visual impact, they represent the famous armour-making tradition of Toledo, Spain. With their high-gloss finish and articulated finger detailing, they add a touch of luxury and authenticity to your harness. They are the ideal choice for theatre productions, film costumes, cosplay, or as a stylish decoration for your home. While they look substantial, they are designed primarily for aesthetic appeal and comfort at non-combat events. Further product information ...
Polished Plate Gauntlets by Marto: Medieval Hand Protection from Toledo
Construction and Comfort
These finger gauntlets are made from polished steel sheet. The design features a rigid cuff protecting the wrist and forearm, connected to articulated steel scales that cover the back of the hand and individual fingers. Thanks to the riveted construction of the lames, hand mobility is preserved, allowing you to grip a sword hilt or reins (for posing purposes, of course).
The interior of the gauntlets reveals raw steel and construction elements (rivets, leather strapping), as seen in the photos. We strongly recommend wearing soft leather or suede gloves underneath these plate gauntlets (inner gloves are not included). Without them, wearing the gauntlets would be uncomfortable; the metal would feel cold, and the inner edges of the plates could chafe your skin.
A Glimpse into History
Plate gauntlets became widely used in the 14th century, replacing mail mufflers. Two main styles evolved: mitten gauntlets (favoured for their durability in battle) and fingered gauntlets like these. Fingered variants were preferred in the late 15th and 16th centuries by cavalry and nobility because they offered better dexterity and weapon handling. Your model, with its smooth design, is reminiscent of the "Milanese style" of armour, known for its rounded shapes designed to deflect blows.
Technical Specifications
| Material | Polished mild steel, leather |
| Steel Thickness | approx. 1.04 mm (approx. 19 gauge) |
| Total Length | approx. 37 cm (14.6 inches) |
| Wrist Circumference | approx. 29 cm (11.4 inches) |
| Weight (Pair) | approx. 1450 g (3.2 lbs) |
| Manufacturer | Marto, Toledo (Spain) |
Care and Maintenance
Steel armour is prone to rust, especially if it comes into contact with sweat or humidity. Wipe the gauntlets with a dry cloth after each use and preserve them with a light coat of oil (e.g., WD-40 or silicone oil). The leather straps inside should be treated occasionally with leather wax or conditioner to prevent cracking. Store in a dry place.
Important Safety Warning
Although these gauntlets are made of steel, they are strictly a decorative item or costume prop. The steel thickness of approx. 1 mm is not sufficient to protect against real blows from steel weapons. They are not intended for historical fencing (HEMA), battle re-enactment (Buhurt), or any full-contact combat sports. A hard impact would deform the metal and crush the wearer's fingers. Use them only for decoration or light LARP.
For a complete look, we recommend combining these gauntlets with a gambeson and a suitable replica sword from our collection.
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