Hourglass Gauntlets – 14th Century Articulated Plate Armour

Hourglass Gauntlets – 14th Century Articulated Plate Armour

Detailed Description & Construction

These fully articulated gauntlets are a faithful replica of 14th-century originals. They are crafted from riveted mild steel with a thickness of approx. 1.2 mm (18 gauge). The name is derived from the characteristic shape of the cuff, which is narrow at the wrist and flares out significantly towards the fingers and elbow, creating an hourglass silhouette. Historically, this design allowed for wrist mobility while bridging the gap between the arm harness and the hand.

Comfort is ensured by a sturdy inner leather glove to which the steel plates are riveted. For additional security and grip strength, the palm features a leather strap. The fingers are protected by a series of small, overlapping steel scales that follow the movement of your fingers as you make a fist. The thumb is guarded by a hinged plate and scales. The inner glove features an extra layer of harder leather on the fingers and thumb, protecting the softer suede from wear and chafe against the metal.

Historical Context

During the 14th century, mail armour began to be supplemented or replaced by plate elements. Hands were among the first areas knights needed to protect better, as a hand injury meant the inability to wield a weapon. The "hourglass" type became the gold standard for European knighthood in the latter half of the 14th century. They allowed a knight to firmly grip a sword hilt, axe shaft, or lance without fear that the first blow from an opponent would crush their fingers.

Specifications

Usage and Safety Warning

Although these gauntlets are made of steel, this is not protective armour suitable for full-contact heavy combat such as Buhurt, Battle of the Nations (HMB), or full-force tournaments. The 1.2 mm (18 gauge) thickness and the delicate mechanics of the finger scales could fail under extreme stress. However, they are an excellent choice for:

• Historical fencing (stage combat, lighter HEMA sparring with appropriate caution).
• Costuming (Re-enactment, LARP, parades).
• Theatre and film productions.

Care Instructions

Steel parts are prone to rust. Wipe them dry after every use and apply a light coat of oil (e.g., mineral oil, WD-40, or gun oil). Keep the leather parts clean and supple using leather care products (beeswax or leather balm). Store in a dry place to ensure longevity.