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Late Medieval Articulated Spaulders – 18 Gauge Steel (Pair)
Are you looking to complete your harness with armor that offers both striking historical authenticity and excellent mobility? These articulated steel spaulders (pauldrons) are designed to provide just that. Whether you are gearing up for a LARP battle, a Renaissance Faire, or putting the finishing touches on a sophisticated cosplay, this pair of shoulder guards is an excellent choice. Featuring a multi-lame construction inspired by Gothic armor, they allow you to move freely while looking like a formidable warrior. They offer an outstanding price-performance ratio for anyone entering the world of historical reenactment or fantasy roleplay. Further product information ...
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Late Medieval Articulated Spaulders – 18 Gauge Steel (Pair)
Design, Comfort, and Usage
This wearable replica of late medieval plate armor is crafted from 1.2 mm (approx. 18 gauge) mild steel. The interior is blackened to provide better resistance against rust. The defining feature of these spaulders is their elaborate segmentation, typical of the 15th and 16th-century armor styles. Each shoulder piece consists of 11 segments in total:
- One large main shoulder plate.
- Three upper lames (protecting towards the neck).
- Seven lower lames (extending down the upper arm).
These segments are riveted together to articulate smoothly, sliding over one another to accommodate your arm movements without binding. How to wear them: An adjustable leather strap with an antique-finish brass buckle ensures a secure fit around your upper arm. Crucially, these spaulders are designed to be pointed (tied) to your underlying garment. They feature ties (arming points) at the top edge. You attach these directly to your gambeson, arming doublet, or gorget. This suspension method is historically accurate and prevents the armor from sliding down or rotating excessively. Therefore, wearing a padded gambeson underneath is not just recommended for comfort; it is essential for proper mounting.
Product Specifications
| Material | Mild steel (1.2 mm / 18 gauge), leather, brass |
| Total Length | approx. 37 cm (14.6 inches) |
| Width (Shoulder) | approx. 20 cm (7.9 inches) |
| Width (Upper Arm) | approx. 17 cm (6.7 inches) |
| Weight (Pair) | approx. 4 kg (8.8 lbs) |
| Includes | 1 Pair (Left and Right) |
Historical Context
In the evolution of armor, the transition from mail to plate required ingenious solutions for joints. "Spaulders" generally refer to lighter shoulder protection that doesn't cover the armpit, whereas "pauldrons" are larger. The multi-lame design seen here mimics the "Gothic" style of the Holy Roman Empire, where armorers prioritized articulation (movement) as much as protection. The sliding rivets allowed a knight to raise a weapon high without the armor locking up or exposing the arm.
Care and Safety Instructions
To ensure your armor serves you well for years:
- Maintenance: This product is made from mild steel, which is not rust-proof. Always wipe it dry after use and apply a thin layer of oil (such as mineral oil, WD-40, or Ballistol) to prevent corrosion.
- Usage Warning: While sturdy, 18 gauge (1.2 mm) steel is designed for LARP, stage combat, and costuming. It is NOT suitable for full-contact medieval combat (like Buhurt or Battle of the Nations). Heavy blows from steel weapons could dent the lames or cause injury.
- Padding: Always wear sufficient padding (a gambeson) underneath to absorb impact and prevent chafing.
We highly recommend pairing these spaulders with a sturdy arming doublet or gambeson from our collection to ensure easy attachment.
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