16th Century Renaissance Steel Breastplate with Brass Rivets
Protect your torso with the elegance and style of the early Renaissance! This steel breastplate is inspired by the armour worn by knights and mercenaries at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. It is crafted from 1.2 mm (18-gauge) mild steel, offering an ideal balance between durability and comfortable wearability. Its design, featuring a central ridge, not only looks superb but also effectively deflects blows. The lower edge is adorned with a row of striking brass rivets, adding a touch of authenticity and prestige to the armour. Thanks to the adjustable leather straps, you can easily fit the breastplate to your figure, whether you wear it over a gambeson or a chainmail shirt. An excellent choice for LARP, historical fencing, re-enactment, or as a display piece. Further product information ...
The following variants are currently available:
16th Century Renaissance Steel Breastplate with Brass Rivets
Historical Context and Design
This front plate armour (cuirass) is based on designs typical of the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance. In this transitional period, plate armour became increasingly accessible to common foot soldiers and mercenaries, such as the famous Landsknechts. The design is both functional and aesthetic:
- Central Ridge (Tapul): Increases the structural strength of the plate and helps to deflect weapon points away from vital organs.
- Rolled Edges: The edges around the neck and armholes are carefully rolled, enhancing comfort and safety during wear and movement.
- Brass Rivets: The decorative rivets along the bottom hem not only reinforce the curvature of the plate but are also a period-appropriate decorative feature that enhances the armour's visual appeal.
Construction and Materials
The breastplate is cold-formed from a single sheet of approximately 1.2 mm (18-gauge) mild steel. The exterior is polished to a high shine, while the interior is painted black, which serves as practical protection against corrosion. It is secured to the body with a system of leather straps – two cross over the shoulders, and two more at the sides allow for circumference adjustment. This construction ensures the breastplate fits securely and does not restrict movement.
Versatile Applications
This breastplate is ideal for a wide range of occasions:
- LARP and Cosplay: It will give your knight, mercenary, or adventurer character an authentic and imposing look.
- Re-enactment and Living History: A great addition to a costume for events focusing on the 15th and 16th centuries.
- Theatre and Film: Suitable as a prop for historical scenes.
- Decoration: An impressive element for an interior with a historical theme.
Important Notice
This is a front plate only; a backplate is not included. This plate armour is designed for costume purposes, LARP, and lighter forms of historical fencing. It is not certified as protective equipment and is not suitable for full-contact combat such as HMB, buhurt, or the Battle of the Nations.
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Mild steel (approx. 1.2 mm thick), genuine leather, brass rivets |
| Finish | Polished, interior painted black |
| Fastening | Adjustable leather straps (over-the-shoulder and side) |
Size Chart
The measurements provided are approximate and may vary slightly from piece to piece.
| Size (in cm) | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest Width | 54 | 59 | 65 |
| Total Length | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Care Instructions
The product will arrive coated in a protective oil. Wipe it clean with a cloth before first use. After each use, we recommend cleaning the steel parts and lightly applying a coat of oil (such as WD-40 or another conservation oil) to prevent rust. Store the armour in a dry place. To maintain its shine, you can polish it from time to time with a dry microfibre cloth. Avoid prolonged contact with moisture, as this could damage the steel.
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