Margrave John of Küstrin Late Gothic Knightly Half-Armor

Steel Majesty of Margrave John of Küstrin: Late Gothic Knightly Half-Armor

Detailed Description and Construction

This knightly half-armor represents a comprehensive protection system for the upper body. Each segment is designed to provide maximum coverage while maintaining the range of motion needed for combat. The armor consists of the following components:

• Close Helm: Equipped with a pivoting bellows-style visor with ventilation slits, ensuring breathability even in the heat of battle. The design protects the entire head and neck.
• Cuirass (Breastplate and Backplate): The anatomically shaped breastplate features articulated faulds (tassets) at the bottom to protect the groin and thighs without restricting your movement.
• Arm Harness: Full arm protection includes pauldrons (shoulders), couters (elbows), and vambraces (forearms). The segments are linked with heavy-duty leather straps for fluid articulation.
• Plated Gauntlets: These mitten-style gauntlets provide excellent protection for the fingers and wrists while maintaining a secure grip on your weapon.

The armor is worn over a padded underlayer. Attach the individual pieces using sturdy leather straps with brass or steel buckles. For the best fit, we recommend starting with the cuirass and then attaching the arm harness and helmet.

Technical Parameters

Historical Context: Margrave John of Küstrin

John of Küstrin (Johann von Küstrin), living from 1513 to 1571, was a prominent Margrave of Brandenburg-Küstrin, known as a skilled military commander and reformer. Armor of this type reflects the transitional period when Gothic sharpness began to round out into the more massive forms designed to deflect early firearm projectiles. Such a harness was not just a tool of war but a symbol of status and wealth, often polished to a mirror finish to dazzle the audience at tournaments and parades.

Armor Care and Safety

To ensure your armor lasts for generations, you must care for it properly. If you choose the mild steel version, be aware that it is an authentic material prone to corrosion. After each use, wipe the armor dry and apply a thin layer of gun oil or technical petroleum jelly. The stainless steel version requires minimal maintenance, simply needing to be cleaned of dirt. Regularly check the condition of the leather straps – if they begin to dry out, treat them with leather balm.

Warning: This armor is intended for re-enactment, theater, or LARP. It is not protective armor suitable for high-impact full-contact combat such as Buhurt or Battle of the Nations, unless explicitly specified for a tempered steel version. For safety and comfort, we strongly recommend wearing a proper padded underlayer, such as a gambeson and a padded arming cap under the helmet. Never wear armor without proper padding, as there is a risk of bruising or serious injury upon impact.

We recommend purchasing a high-quality gambeson and a leather belt for additional support of the plate tassets.

This "Half suit armor Margrave Jahn Kustrin" will be made to measure to your exact size. To submit us your measurements, please use the following measurement chart.