15th Century Gothic Steel Pauldrons with Articulated Lames

15th Century Gothic Steel Pauldrons with Articulated Lames

Construction and Design

Every detail of these pauldrons has been designed with both history and practical use in mind.

• Gothic Style: The dominant feature is the large, pointed plate that effectively covers the shoulder joint. This shape is characteristic of German Gothic armour and was engineered to deflect enemy blows.
• Full Articulation: Below the main plate are three smaller steel lames. These segments are connected on the inside by sturdy leather straps, creating an articulated construction that perfectly mimics the movement of your arm.
• Attachment System: At the top of each pauldron, a leather strap with a buckle is riveted on, designed for attachment to a gorget or the shoulder straps of a cuirass. The lowest lame is equipped with a longer strap to securely fasten around the bicep, preventing the armour from shifting during movement.
• Corrosion Protection: The inside of the pauldrons is treated with a black coating, which protects the steel from rust and extends its lifespan.

Who Are These Pauldrons For?

These steel pauldrons are an excellent choice for a wide range of historical and fantasy characters.

• LARP and Cosplay: Perfect for a knight, mercenary, paladin, or any heavy armour character.
• Historical Reenactment: An authentic addition to the kit of a 15th-century man-at-arms or knight, especially from the Holy Roman Empire region.
• Theatre and Film: A visually striking and durable prop that will add authenticity to your character.

Important Notice: These pauldrons are a historical replica and costume prop. They are not designed or certified for full-contact combat sports like buhurt, HMB, or the Battle of the Nations, as they do not provide sufficient protection for such demanding activities.

Dimensions Table

This is a universal size designed to fit an average adult. The straps allow for a degree of adjustability.

A Look into History

The Functional Beauty of Gothic Armour

Plate armour reached its zenith in the 15th century, particularly in the form of the "Gothic" style made famous by German and Italian armourers. This style was characterized not only by its aesthetic sophistication but, above all, by its functionality. The sharp angles, points, and fluting were not merely decorative—their purpose was to increase the plates' structural strength and to effectively deflect the points of swords, lances, and arrows away from the wearer's body. Articulation, the connection of plates using rivets and sliding segments, was revolutionary and allowed knights to fight with nearly the same freedom of movement as they had without armour.

A Historical Tidbit: Strength in Lames

The articulated lame construction you see on these pauldrons is one of the key features that distinguishes advanced plate armour from older, simpler types. While early armours often used rigid, large pieces of metal that restricted movement, lames allowed for the protection of joints and limbs without forcing the warrior to sacrifice agility.

How to Care for Your Armour

To ensure your pauldrons last as long as possible and maintain their shine, follow these simple rules:

1. After each use, carefully wipe the steel parts with a cloth to remove moisture and sweat.
2. Apply a thin layer of protective oil (e.g., mineral oil, Ballistol, WD-40) to the dry surface to prevent corrosion.
3. Store them in a dry place, ideally wrapped in an oiled cloth.
4. Regularly treat the leather straps with a leather conditioner to keep them supple and prevent cracking.