Right Shoulder Guard: Leather & Mail Armour

House of Warfare Right Shoulder Guard: Leather & Mail Armour

Appearance and Construction

This shoulder guard is specifically designed for the right shoulder. It is constructed from high-quality 3.6mm thick leather, available in both black and brown. The photographed version showcases the rich brown leather. The main component protecting the shoulder and upper arm features a segmented leather design, articulated with sturdy rivets for flexibility. The prominent shoulder cop (the piece covering the shoulder joint and collarbone) is distinctly shaped and raised, formed from layered leather to provide maximum impact absorption. This section is further detailed with a leather thong laced through eyelets. Underneath this main leather cop, and also running as a central reinforcing strip down the arm protection, is a section of riveted or butted chainmail. The mail consists of rings with an inner diameter of 6.5mm, made from 1.26mm thick wire, offering a good balance of protection and manoeuvrability. The mail is carefully integrated into the leather structure. Brass-coloured metal rivets are visible throughout, securing the leather segments and adding to the guard's rugged, authentic appearance. The pauldron fastens with a leather strap that goes across the torso (maximum length of 360mm) and another strap around the upper arm. The total weight of this impressive shoulder guard is approximately 992 grams.

How You Can Use This Product

This leather and mail shoulder guard is perfect for a variety of activities where you need a blend of protection and striking style:

• LARP and Cosplay: It excellently complements warrior, gladiator, barbarian, or any fantasy character costume, especially those with an asymmetrical design or where protection for the dominant arm is emphasized. Enhance your presence at LARP events throughout the EU or cosplay conventions in England.
• Reenactment: While the specific combination of leather and mail might lean towards a more fantasy or historically-inspired interpretation, it can be suitable for certain early medieval or barbarian portrayals in the UK reenactment scene.
• Theatre and Film: Its detailed and robust appearance makes it a fantastic costume piece for stage productions or film shoots with historical or fantasy themes.
• Display: It can also serve as an impressive decorative item for enthusiasts of history and fantasy.

With this shoulder guard, your character will gain authenticity and a battle-ready look for any event, whether in the United Kingdom, across continental Europe, or elsewhere.

Historical Context

The combination of leather and mail as protective elements has historical precedents, though exact designs varied. Leather has been a fundamental material for armour construction for millennia, offering protection against cuts and blunt force, especially when hardened (cuir bouilli). Chainmail, known since at least the time of the Celts and widely used by the Romans and throughout the Middle Ages, provided excellent defence against slashing and piercing attacks while maintaining relative flexibility. Marrying these two materials could have been a practical way to reinforce key areas like the shoulders, potentially saving on the cost and complexity of full metal plate, as metal was more expensive and labour-intensive to work. Shoulder guards (spaulders or pauldrons) were vital components of armour, as the shoulder joint is a vulnerable area, and an injury there could easily disable a warrior. Designs intended for only one shoulder were not uncommon, used, for example, by archers or fighters employing specific combat styles where freedom of movement for the other arm was paramount.

An Interesting Fact from History

Did you know that gladiators in ancient Rome often wore asymmetrical armour? For instance, gladiator types such as the "murmillo" or "secutor" frequently had one arm and shoulder (often the right, if right-handed) heavily protected by metal or leather segmental guards called a "manica," while the other arm, typically holding a shield, was less armoured. This principle of protecting the dominant side of the body appeared in various cultures and periods.

Looking After Your Armour

To ensure your House of Warfare Leather and Mail Shoulder Guard maintains its original beauty and functionality for as long as possible, proper care is essential:

• Leather Components:
  • Regularly clean off dust and dirt with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
  • Periodically treat the leather with a suitable leather care product (such as a conditioner, wax, or balm) to keep it supple, moisture-resistant, and to prevent cracking. Apply a thin layer and allow it to absorb.
  • If the leather gets wet, allow it to air dry naturally at room temperature. Never dry it near a direct heat source (like a radiator or open fire), as this can cause it to dry out and crack.
• Chainmail Sections:
  • Keep the mail dry to prevent rust. If it does get wet, dry it as soon as possible.
  • To conserve and protect against rust, you can lightly oil the mail (e.g., with a gun oil or specialized mail oil) and then wipe off any excess.
• Storage: Store the shoulder guard in a dry, well-ventilated place. Ideally, hang it or lay it flat in a way that does not distort its shape.

With this high-quality and stylish shoulder guard, you'll be prepared for any adventure, and your costume will gain a unique and formidable edge!