Gothic Pauldrons "Vanguard" – 15th Century
Are you looking for reliable shoulder protection that won't restrict your movement when swinging a sword or halberd? These Late Medieval Pauldrons (or Spaulders) are designed exactly for you. Whether you are a heavy infantryman on the front lines or a mercenary guarding a caravan, you need armour that combines mobility with durability. Thanks to the construction of five articulated plates (lames), these pauldrons follow the movement of your arm, giving you a tactical advantage. Made from solid 1.6 mm (16 gauge) steel, they are the ideal choice for historical fencing, re-enactment, and high-quality LARP. Further product information ...
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Gothic Pauldrons "Vanguard" – 15th Century
Construction and Mobility
The foundation of these spaulders is a large upper plate protecting the shoulder joint, followed by four smaller lames covering the upper arm. All parts are riveted together to articulate smoothly over one another. * Material: Constructed from mild steel with a thickness of approx. 1.6 mm (16 Gauge). This provides sufficient protection for most battle scenarios, resisting cuts and blunt impacts without being excessively heavy. * Shape: The bottom edge of the lames is slightly pointed, referencing the Gothic style of the late 15th century. * Finish: The polished finish not only looks impressive but also helps deflect rust and makes maintenance easier.
How to Attach the Pauldrons?
For these spaulders to function correctly, they must be anchored properly. At the top edge of each pauldron, there is a steel buckle. This must be fastened to a leather strap, which should be part of your gorget, bevor, or cuirass. At the bottom, the armor is secured around the bicep using an integrated leather strap with a buckle.
Historical Context
Throughout the 15th century, armour became increasingly complex. Simple cup-shaped shoulder guards gave way to these laminated constructions, which allowed knights to raise their arms above their heads for powerful strikes without exposing vulnerable areas in the armpit. This type of armour was common across Europe.
Product Parameters
| Material | Mild Steel |
| Thickness | approx. 1.6 mm (16 Gauge) |
| Number of Segments | 5 (1 main plate + 4 lames) |
| Finish | Polished |
| Size | One Size Fits All |
| Attachment | Buckle at top, strap at bottom |
Armour Care
Steel is your friend, but rust is its enemy.
- The armour is shipped oiled. Wipe it with a dry cloth before first use to avoid staining your gambeson.
- After every use (especially if exposed to rain or sweat), wipe the armour dry and re-oil it (WD40, Ballistol, mineral oil).
- Treat the leather straps occasionally with leather conditioner to prevent cracking.
Important Warning
These pauldrons are made of 1.6 mm mild steel. They are suitable for historical fencing (re-enactment) and stage combat. They are "Class C" items and are not certified protective gear for full-contact sports like Buhurt (HMB, Battle of the Nations), which have specific requirements for hardening and material thickness. For maximum comfort, we recommend wearing a gambeson underneath the armour.
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