Pikeman's Cuirass with Backplate and Tassets, 1607 Pattern

Pikeman's Cuirass with Backplate and Tassets, 1607 Pattern

Armour Construction and Details

This suit of plate armour is crafted from 1.2 mm thick steel. It consists of several key parts:

• Cuirass (Breastplate): A robust plate protecting the chest and abdomen, with characteristically shaped and rolled edges around the neck and arms to allow for freedom of movement.
• Backplate: Provides protection for the back and, together with the breastplate, forms a complete defence for the torso. It connects via adjustable leather straps at the shoulders and waist.
• Tassets (Thigh Guards): The articulated (lameled) construction of these plates ensures protection for the upper thighs while allowing for free movement when walking or fighting. They attach to the breastplate with a clever and historically accurate system of removable hinges, secured by a steel pin and hook.

Thanks to the adjustable leather strap system, the armour is suitable for figures from size M up to XXL. A leather belt is also included, which helps to distribute the armour's weight and secure it firmly to the body. This pikeman's cuirass is an excellent choice for a musketeer or pikeman impression for the Thirty Years' War or the English Civil War.

Important Notice

Although this armour is made from 1.2 mm thick steel and provides solid protection for re-enactment and LARP, it is not certified protective gear for full-contact combat such as buhurt, Battle of the Nations, etc. Neither the manufacturer nor the seller assumes liability for injuries sustained during its use.

A Piece of History: Munition Armour

The term "munition armour" doesn't refer to ammunition, but to the historical term "munitions," which meant military stores and equipment issued to soldiers from an armoury. This armour was mass-produced, cheap, functional, and devoid of unnecessary decoration. Its design was standardized and often came in a single universal size to fit as many recruits as possible. This is precisely the type of armour seen in Jacob de Gheyn's manual, "Wapenhandelinghe," which served as an instructional guide for training soldiers with the pike and musket.

Caring for Your New Armour

This armour is made from untreated carbon steel, which is consistent with historical originals. This means it may show traces of surface rust, which is an authentic feature, not a defect. To ensure your armour serves you well for a long time and remains in the best possible condition, follow these tips:

• After each use, especially in a damp environment, dry the armour thoroughly.
• Wipe all steel parts with a cloth soaked in mineral or synthetic oil (e.g., WD-40). This creates a protective film against rust.
• Store the armour in a dry, well-ventilated place.
• The leather straps can be treated with a leather conditioner from time to time to keep them supple.

What to Avoid:

• Do not leave the armour wet or in a damp container.
• Do not store it in unventilated spaces like plastic boxes or basements.
• Do not clean the surface with aggressive chemicals or harsh abrasives unless you intend to remove rust and are prepared to re-polish the surface afterwards.

Specification Table