Gothic Hourglass Gauntlets 'Churburg', 14th Century

Gothic Hourglass Gauntlets 'Churburg', 14th Century

A Masterful Replica for the Discerning

This pair of armoured gauntlets is crafted with the utmost attention to historical accuracy and detail. Each piece is handmade from approximately 1.2 mm (18 gauge) thick steel plate. Just like the original housed in the Churburg Castle armoury, these gauntlets are artfully reinforced and decorated with plates of polished brass at the knuckles, wrist, and cuff edge, creating a stunning contrast with the polished steel. For your maximum comfort and to protect the armour, the interior is blackened for corrosion resistance and features a fully integrated glove made of soft black suede.

Flexibility and Comfort

Despite their robust steel construction, these gauntlets are fully articulated and offer surprising freedom of movement. Each joint of the fingers, back of the hand, and thumb is designed to mimic the motion of your hand as faithfully as possible. The integrated suede glove and additional leather inserts prevent uncomfortable chafing of metal on skin, ensuring that wearing these gauntlets is a comfortable experience.

Who Are These Gauntlets For?

Given their precise and decorative craftsmanship, these gauntlets should be considered a luxury accessory and a collector's item. Please note: They are not designed or suitable for contact combat or sparring. They are ideal for:

• High-End Costuming and Cosplay: For when you want your knight or noble character's costume to look absolutely perfect and authentic.
• Collectors and Display: As a magnificent centrepiece for your collection of arms and armour.
• Theatrical and Film Productions: Perfect as a detailed and historically faithful prop for principal characters.

A Glimpse into History: Armour #13 from Churburg Castle

These gauntlets are a replica of a part of one of the most famous and complete surviving suits of plate armour in the world, known as "Churburg #13". This suit was likely crafted in Milan around 1390, the epicentre of armour-making artistry at the time. Today, it is the crown jewel of the collection at the Churburg Castle (Castel Coira) armoury in South Tyrol, Italy. Its design represents the pinnacle of Gothic plate armour and served as a model for many other suits across Europe.

Interesting Fact: Why "Hourglass"?

The characteristic shape of the cuff, which is tapered at the wrist and flares out again towards the forearm, gave these gauntlets their famous nickname. This design was not merely aesthetic; it allowed a knight maximum wrist flexibility for wielding a sword and shield, without the edge of the cuff impeding movement. It was a perfect fusion of form and function.

Caring for Your New Armour

As the steel used is not rust-proof, these gauntlets require regular maintenance to retain their shine. After each use, wipe them down carefully with a dry cloth to remove any moisture and fingerprints. For long-term preservation, we recommend regularly treating the surface with a thin coat of protective oil, such as Ballistol, which is ideal for the conservation of steel goods.

Technical Specifications

• Material: Approx. 1.2 mm (18 gauge) steel plate, brass fittings, inner gloves of black suede
• Size: One size, fits approximately a size Large (glove size 9)
• External Dimensions (H x W): approx. 28 x 13 cm (11 x 5.1 in.)
• Inner Circumference at Wrist: approx. 25 cm (9.8 in.)
• Weight (Pair): approx. 1740 g (3.8 lbs)
• Please Note: As this is a handmade product, dimensions and material thickness may vary slightly from piece to piece.