German Gothic Mitten Gauntlets, 15th Century

German Gothic Mitten Gauntlets, 15th Century – High-Quality Steel Replica for Your Collection or Costume

Appearance and Construction Inspired by History

These Gothic mitten gauntlets are handcrafted from 18-gauge steel (approximately 1.2 mm thick), ensuring their robustness and authentic appearance. Their design corresponds to the German Gothic style of the 15th century, characterized by elegant lines and sophisticated details. The gauntlets feature the typical "mitten" design, where the fingers are protected by a single common plate, while the thumb has separate, articulated protection for a better grip on a weapon. The individual steel plates of these armoured gauntlets are carefully shaped and joined by rivets, completing the historical look. The cuff of the gauntlet is elongated and pointed to protect the wrist and part of the forearm. The steel surface is polished to a high shine, underscoring their majestic appearance. Each gauntlet weighs approximately 2 lb (0.9 kg), making the pair about 4 lb (1.8 kg).

Important Notice Regarding Mobility

Important Notice: These plate gauntlets (mitten gauntlets) are primarily intended as a display replica or costume piece. Their construction allows for only minimal mobility of the fingers and wrist. For practical use, such as in historical reenactment combat or sparring, individual modifications would be necessary to ensure sufficient flexibility and safety. Without such modifications, these knightly gauntlets are not suitable for active combat use.

How You Can Use These Mitten Gauntlets

• Collector's Item: Expand your collection with a faithful replica of Gothic mitten gauntlets.
• Reenactment and LARP: Complete your historical knight costume or medieval armour with an authentic piece of protection.
• Decoration: Display them as an impressive decoration with a historical flair.
• Theatre and Film: Perfect props for historical productions and film projects.
• Educational Purposes: A vivid example of medieval protective gear and armour.

This mitten form of plate gauntlet fits a large range of hand sizes, suitable for most adults.

A Glimpse into History: Mitten Gauntlets in Times Past

The last half of the 15th century saw many examples of armour reach its apex of beauty in both form and function. This type of armour, including these mitten gauntlets, would have been a common sight on the battlefields of the Wars of the Roses. They provided excellent protection for the entire hand and wrist, especially when gripping a sword, mace, or other weapons. Their robust construction protected the hand when closed around a weapon, defending against both slashing and piercing attacks. Compared to fingered gauntlets, mitten gauntlets often offered better protection against crushing blows, albeit at the cost of slightly reduced finger dexterity.

An Interesting Historical Fact

The Gothic style of armour, to which these mitten gauntlets belong, is often considered the most aesthetically perfect. The armourers of that era were not just craftsmen but true artists. They could shape steel into complex yet functional forms that not only protected but also emphasized the knight's physique and status. Every detail, from the shape of the plates to the placement of the rivets, held significance in medieval armoury.

Caring for Your New Mitten Gauntlets

To ensure your Gothic mitten gauntlets maintain their original beauty and are protected from corrosion, dedicate a little care to them:

• Storage: Keep them in a dry place. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause rust.
• Cleaning: After each use (especially if they have come into contact with sweat), wipe them with a dry cloth. If small rust spots appear, you can carefully remove them with fine steel wool or a special cleaning eraser for metal. For more stubborn rust, you can try a paste of baking soda and water or specialized rust removers (always test on a small, less visible area first).
• Conservation: Regularly (at least every few months, or more often in high humidity) lightly coat the gauntlets with a conservation oil (e.g., Ballistol or another gun oil/rust prevention oil). Apply a thin layer and wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth. This creates a protective film against corrosion.
• Handling: When handling the steel parts of the armour, it's ideal to wear cotton gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints, which can attract moisture.

With a little armour care, these beautiful replica gauntlets will bring you joy for many years to come.