Late Medieval Plate Arm Armour with Brass Edging

Late Medieval Plate Arm Armour with Brass Edging for Reenactment

Historical Context and Usage

Complete plate arm defences, as represented by this model, evolved during the late Middle Ages, specifically at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries. During this period, armourers refined steel-shaping techniques to provide warriors with maximum protection against increasingly effective weapons such as halberds, crossbows, and early firearms. These plates gradually replaced mail sleeves and became standard equipment for knights and heavy infantry. The purpose was to completely cover the arm from the shoulder down to the wrist while maintaining the necessary flexibility for combat with a sword or polearm.

Fitting and Proper Use

The armour is worn over an undergarment. In the shoulder area, the armour is either pointed (tied) directly to a gambeson (arming doublet) using laces, or mechanically connected to other parts of the plate armour, such as a cuirass or a gorget. The actual fixation to the arm is secured by three adjustable leather straps with buckles, which are safely riveted to the inside of the steel plates. For proper mobility, it is crucial not to tighten the straps too much to avoid restricting blood circulation, but firmly enough so that the armour does not slip during movement.

Safety and Modern Application

This product is ideal for historical reenactment, LARP, cosplay, and light stage combat. It is important to note that this armour is not designed for full-contact heavy combat (such as buhurt, HMB, or Battle of the Nations). The thickness of the mild steel, approximately 1.5 mm (16 gauge), is optimised for a favourable weight and comfortable wear, but it will not withstand full blows from heavy polearms without deformation. We strongly recommend that you wear a high-quality padded gambeson or arming doublet with your plate arms, which will absorb potential impacts and provide a foundation for proper armour attachment. Never wear the armour directly on bare skin or a thin t-shirt, as there is a risk of abrasions and pinching the skin between the plates.

Care and Maintenance

To ensure your armour serves you well for a long time and retains its shine, regular care is necessary. Mild steel has a tendency to oxidise (rust), so carefully wipe the product with a dry cloth after every use to remove sweat and moisture. Subsequently, preserve the metal parts with a suitable gun oil (e.g., Ballistol or WD-40). We recommend occasionally treating the leather straps with leather balm so they do not crack and retain their flexibility. Store the armour in a dry and well-ventilated place.

Technical Specifications and Dimensions

Note: There is an approximate difference of 10 cm (4 inches) between the fully stretched length of the arm and the sum of the individual measurements listed above. This difference is naturally caused by the plates sliding into each other when the arm is bent at the elbow. Supplied as a pair (left and right arm).