Late Medieval Polished Mild Steel Plate Mittens with Articulated Thumb - Outlet

Late Medieval Polished Mild Steel Plate Mittens with Articulated Thumb

Historical Context and Armour Construction

Plate mittens, historically popular during the High and Late Gothic periods of the 15th century, represented a significant evolutionary leap in hand protection for both heavy cavalry and men-at-arms. Unlike fingered gauntlets, mittens offered vastly superior resistance to crushing blows, as the overlapping steel plates formed a solid shield with far fewer weak points. This particular model consists of 10 steel lamellae that are articulated via sturdy rivet pins. The thumb, constructed from 4 distinct segments, is attached to the main body via a robust steel hinge. The spacious flared cuff, designed to protect the lower forearm and wrist, is tastefully decorated with iron rivets, further enhancing its rugged, martial aesthetic.

Practical Use and Battlefield Safety

These steel mittens are an excellent choice for Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), reenactment, and LARP combat. Inside the gauntlet, you will find leather strapping to secure your fingers and palm, along with a sturdy wrist strap fastened by a traditional brass buckle. Please note that these gauntlets are supplied without inner leather gloves. To ensure safe and comfortable use, we strongly recommend purchasing and wearing thick leather or padded arming gloves underneath. The padding will effectively absorb the kinetic energy of incoming blows and prevent the metal edges from chafing your skin. Although the steel is a substantial 16-gauge (1.6 mm) thick, for safety reasons, this product is not designed for heavy full-contact armoured combat (such as Buhurt or Battle of the Nations), where extreme strikes with blunt polearms could deform the plates.

Maintenance of Your Steel Armour

This armour is crafted from mild steel, which naturally succumbs to rust without proper care. While the interior is coated with a black finish to protect the metal from corrosive sweat, the polished exterior demands your regular attention. After every rigorous use, especially if exposed to moisture, thoroughly dry the mittens with a clean cloth. Following this, apply a thin layer of high-quality rust-preventative oil (such as WD-40 or Ballistol) to all metal surfaces, paying special attention to the overlapping lames and hinges. Regular lubrication not only wards off rust but also ensures that the articulated segments slide smoothly over each other without squeaking during combat.

Technical Specifications