Italian Gothic Plate Armour with Stand, 14th Century, 1.2mm Steel
Transport yourself to the age of knights with this impressive replica of Italian Gothic plate armour from the late 14th century. This complete knight's armour, crafted from 1.2mm (18 gauge) steel, embodies the craftsmanship of the Milanese armourers and other Italian centres. While primarily intended as a stunning decoration for your home, office, or collection, it is fully articulated and can be worn as a costume for LARP, festivals, or re-enactments. Standing on a sturdy wooden pedestal, it reaches an impressive height of approx. 200 cm (6.6 ft), making it a dominant feature in any room. The armour comes complete with the internal wooden stand, base, leather straps, and a decorative skirt. Further product information ...
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Italian Gothic Plate Armour with Stand, 14th Century, 1.2mm Steel
Impressive Decoration and Costume Piece
This suit of armour is fully articulated, allowing you to wear it as part of a costume for historical festivals, LARP events, or theatrical performances. However, its primary strength is as a decorative piece – as a display item in a hall, study, or a themed restaurant, it will leave an unforgettable impression.
Important Notice: This armour is crafted from 1.2mm mild steel. While wearable, it is not designed for full-contact combat, such as buhurt (Battle of the Nations) or HEMA sparring. It is a decorative and costume-grade replica that does not provide sufficient protection for such activities.
Historical Context: The Rise of Plate Armour
Steel armour parts became popular during the middle of the 13th century and were succeeded by full plate armour during the late 14th century. Germany and Italy were the main centres of armour production. The armours were mainly produced in a "Gothic" style. This replica is made in the Italian Gothic style, which was characterised by smoother, more rounded surfaces compared to the sharper, fluted German Gothic style. Steel plates offered new, far more effective protection against cuts and thrusts and were highly prized throughout Europe.
The Armour in Detail: Our Experience
In the realm of decorative replicas, this armour is one of the finest pieces we have had the opportunity to inspect personally. Even though it is "just" a decorative suit, its craftsmanship shows the impressive improvement of Asian artisans. The design of the wooden base and the internal stand structure reflects a close cooperation with Spanish manufacturers who use this system.
Helmet and Arm Harness
The helmet is a closed bascinet, matching the style of the late 14th century. It features a rounded "hound-skull" visor with numerous ventilation holes, an overlapping brow, and a gorget studded with decorative rivets. The arms are protected by broad, overlapping pauldrons with angled upper plates that act as blade-catchers (Ger. Klingenbrecher). These connect to closed rerebraces (upper arm), three-piece couters (elbows) with large wings to protect the inner arm, and articulated vambraces (forearm). The hands are protected by simple mitten gauntlets.
Cuirass and Torso Protection
The intricately crafted cuirass consists of a rounded breastplate and a backplate. All the leather strapping looks very solid and features well-made brass buckles and brass-reinforced strap ends. Below the waist, there is a fauld of 4 lames, to which fluted tassets are attached, protecting the upper thighs. The backplate features a culet of 3 lames.
Leg Protection and Stand
The knight's legs are protected by richly fluted three-piece leg harnesses (cuisses with poleyns), closed greaves (shins), and plate sabatons (iron boots). The knees (poleyns) are protected by large, fluted wings on the sides. The greaves are connected with hinges and straps. The seven-segment sabatons are elegantly hammered into a pointed toe and are of very high quality compared to many other Asian replicas. The armour is delivered partially assembled on a wooden structure (skeleton) and a wooden base. The "rear" of the knight is elegantly covered by a red fabric skirt with a gold pattern and tassels.
Specifications
| Material | Steel plate (mild steel), leather, brass, wood (stand) |
| Steel Thickness | 1.2 mm (18 Gauge) |
| Style | Italian Gothic, late 14th Century |
| Overall Height with Stand | approx. 200 cm (approx. 6.6 ft) |
| Height of Armour Only | approx. 177 cm (approx. 5.8 ft) |
| Overall Weight | approx. 45 kg (approx. 99 lbs) |
| Included in delivery | Full suit of armour, internal wooden stand (skeleton), wooden base, decorative skirt |
| Manufacturer | Windlass Steelcrafts® |
Care and Maintenance
Although the armour is primarily decorative, it is made from mild steel, which is susceptible to rust. To maintain its shine, wipe it down regularly with a dry cloth and protect it from dust. For long-term storage or to protect against air humidity, we recommend applying a thin layer of conservation oil (e.g., WD-40 or Ballistol) to all steel parts from time to time. Keep the leather straps supple with leather care products. Never expose the armour to direct rain or persistent moisture. Do not use abrasive cleaners (scouring pads, etc.) as they will scratch the polished surface.
Shipping Information
Please note: This suit of armour is shipped directly from the factory via special freight for oversized items. It is carefully packaged before dispatch to prevent transport damage. Payment by Cash on Delivery (COD) is not possible for this item. The order must be paid in advance via bank transfer, credit card, or PayPal. We appreciate your understanding.
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