Padded Leather Gauntlet with Aluminium Chainmail Cuff (Single)

Padded Leather Gauntlet with Aluminium Chainmail Cuff (Single)

This armoured gauntlet is designed to complement and accentuate a wide range of historical and fantasy characters. Whether you're preparing for a wild raid as an intrepid barbarian, undertaking perilous missions as a battle-hardened mercenary, or simply wish to add a rugged, authentic, and functional detail to your costume – this gauntlet is an excellent choice. Thanks to the option of choosing specifically for the right or left hand, you can tailor your protection precisely to your individual fighting style – protect only one, more exposed hand, or acquire a pair for complete and symmetrical coverage. Adjustable straps on the cuff and well-designed leather loops on the fingers and thumb ensure that the gauntlet stays firmly in place while allowing you a sufficiently secure and firm grip on your weapon, shield, or other essential equipment.

Historical Context and Design Inspirations

Protection for hands and wrists was absolutely crucial for warriors throughout history, as hands were constantly exposed to danger. Gauntlets and bracers therefore evolved from simple leather or fabric forms to complex plate and mail constructions, offering an ever-increasing level of protection. The combination of supple yet strong leather for the basic shape and flexibility with metal elements (like the chainmail on this gauntlet's cuff) to increase protection against slashes and abrasions was a common and very practical solution across various historical periods. This particular design, with back-of-hand coverage, finger protection to the first knuckle, and strategically placed padded zones, draws inspiration from various historical and fantasy protective gauntlets, with a primary focus on functionality, durability, and universal applicability.

Advantages of the Materials Used for Your Comfort and Safety

The gauntlet is crafted from high-quality and robust leather, with 7-8 ounce leather used for the protective plates covering the back of the hand and fingers. This ensures very good resistance to normal wear and tear and absorption of impact energy. The base of the gauntlet under the plates is designed to be sufficiently flexible for comfortable wear and does not restrict finger movement. Pronounced padding on the knuckles and thumb provides an additional layer of protection for these particularly sensitive and exposed areas. The cuff, made of even thicker leather, is covered on its outer side with aluminium chainmail. The main advantage of aluminium is its low weight, so the cuff does not unnecessarily burden the hand and forearm, and at the same time, its natural resistance to corrosion, which simplifies maintenance. An elegant suede trim on the edges of the cuff adds to the overall comfort and completes the aesthetic appeal.

A Piece of History: The Warrior's Hand – An Invaluable Tool

For the medieval (and not only medieval) warrior, hands were one of their most valuable and indispensable "tools." They not only held sword, axe, or spear but also allowed for firm manipulation of a shield, precise control of a horse's reins, climbing walls, or performing countless other vital tasks on and off the battlefield. Any injury to the hand, even a seemingly minor one, could have fatal consequences for a combatant and, in extreme cases, even mean the end of their fighting career. Therefore, considerable attention was always paid to hand protection, and gauntlets or bracers were often among the first pieces of armour a fighter acquired, frequently right after head and torso protection.

How to Care for Your Gauntlet to Ensure Longevity

So that this combined gauntlet serves you well for a long time and retains its appearance and functionality, please pay attention to the proper care for both materials used:

• Leather: First, remove coarser dirt with a stiff brush. Then, you can gently clean the leather with special leather soap and a soft, slightly damp cloth. Carefully remove soap residue with another clean, damp cloth, and finally wipe off any remaining moisture with a dry cloth. Let the gauntlet dry naturally at room temperature; never dry it near a direct heat source like a fire or heater! After complete drying, treat the leather with high-quality leather oil, wax, or balm that softens, nourishes, and waterproofs it. Wipe off any excess product with a clean cloth after a short absorption time.
• Aluminium Chainmail: Aluminium is naturally very resistant to corrosion. For normal soiling (dust, sweat), it is sufficient to wipe the chainmail part with a damp cloth and then dry it. Aluminium can sometimes leave darker marks (aluminium oxide) on light-coloured textiles it comes into prolonged contact with. Therefore, it is advisable to wear an inner glove under the gauntlet (not included) or to ensure it does not come into contact with light parts of your costume.
• Storage: Store the gauntlet in a dry and well-ventilated place, protected from direct sunlight. This will prevent possible mould growth on the leather or excessive oxidation of the aluminium.

Available Variants and Exact Dimensions

Choose the variant that best suits your needs, fighting style, and the rest of your gear:

• Available Leather Colours: Black or Brown
• Hand Version: Gauntlet for the Right hand OR Gauntlet for the Left hand (the price shown is always for a single piece)

Approximate Dimensions of One Gauntlet:

• Overall length from fingertips to the end of the cuff: approx. 310 mm (12.2 inches)
• Adjustable forearm circumference on the cuff (thanks to buckles): 260 – 370 mm (10.2 – 14.6 inches)
• Approximate weight of one gauntlet: 760 g (1.68 lbs)

Please note: A thin inner leather glove, which can be worn under this armoured gauntlet for increased comfort (and is sometimes shown in product photos for illustration), is not included in the delivery and is sold separately if needed.

Additional Information

This robust and detailed armoured leather gauntlet with a chainmail cuff is a quality product from the House of Warfare brand. It has been designed with an emphasis on durability, functionality, and a great visual impression for your historical, fantasy, or post-apocalyptic character. Take your destiny firmly in hand!