Čeština
Deutsch
Smooth Steel Pauldrons – Infantry Style
Are you looking for functional, historically accurate, and affordable shoulder protection that won't restrict your movement? These smooth steel pauldrons (spaulders), featuring a simple yet effective design, are the ideal choice for light infantry, archers, crossbowmen, or beginner fencers. Thanks to their single-piece metal construction, they offer an excellent balance between protection and mobility. They are the perfect addition to your re-enactment kit, LARP character, or costume. You can have them made exactly to measure for a perfect fit, or choose the versatile standard size. With these shoulders, you get a reliable piece of armour that won't let you down on the battlefield. Further product information ...
Smooth Steel Pauldrons – Infantry Style
Construction and Usage
These shoulder guards (technically often called spaulders as they primarily cover the shoulder joint and upper arm) are characterized by a minimalist design without unnecessary decoration. This corresponds to the historical style of "munition armour", which was mass-produced for common soldiers during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance (approx. 15th to 17th centuries). Their smooth, polished surface serves a practical purpose – weapon blades slide off easily without transferring the full impact energy to your body.
Attachment: A sturdy leather strap with holes is riveted to the top of each pauldron. This is used for pointing (lacing) to a gambeson, arming doublet, or a mail collar/gorget. At the bottom, the plate is secured around the arm with a leather strap and buckle, ensuring the armour stays in place even during vigorous movement.
Safety and Recommendations
Although the steel used is approx. 1.5 mm (16 gauge) thick, which is robust enough for standard historical fencing and re-enactment, please keep the following in mind:
- Not for Buhurt: These pauldrons are not designed for full-contact competitive fighting like Battle of the Nations (HMB/IMCF), where more complex joint and underarm protection is required.
- Padding: For your comfort and safety, we strongly recommend wearing high-quality padded protection (gambeson, padded jack) underneath the plate armour. This increases shock absorption and prevents chafing.
Maintenance of Steel Armour
To keep your armour looking like new and rust-free for as long as possible, proper care is essential:
- Storage: Store the pauldrons in a dry environment. Moisture is the enemy of steel.
- Cleaning and Preservation: Wipe the metal dry after every use. Regularly apply a preservation oil (e.g., WD-40 or specific armour oil) or beeswax. This creates a protective film against corrosion.
- Leather: Occasionally treat the leather straps with a leather conditioner to keep them flexible and prevent cracking.
Specifications
| Material: | Mild steel (polished finish) |
| Material Thickness: | approx. 1.5 mm (approx. 16 gauge) |
| Weight (pair, std. size): | approx. 1.80 kg (approx. 4 lbs) |
| Scope of Delivery: | 2 pieces (left and right shoulder) |
Sizes and Custom Made Option
If you do not provide your own measurements, the armour will be supplied in the standard size, corresponding to a convectional L/XL (suitable for a man of athletic build, approx. 180 cm / 5 ft 11 in tall). However, for maximum comfort, we recommend the made-to-measure option. Please include the following measurements from this size chart in your order note:
| 2a | Arm circumference over the biceps (measured over the gambeson) |
| 2b | Arm circumference at the elbow |
| 2c | Forearm circumference (less critical here, but good for profile completeness) |
| 2d | Arm length from shoulder joint to elbow |
We are here for you!
