Arrow Spacer for DIY Quivers, 15th Century

Gothic Leather Arrow Spacer for DIY Quivers, 15th Century

Historical Context and Operating Principle

During the late Middle Ages, medieval archery gained immense military significance, especially in England during the Hundred Years' War. To keep their long arrows in perfect condition and prevent the feathers from crushing or tearing in overcrowded quivers and linen bags, English archers began using special leather arrow spacers. This specific model is a faithful replica of an archaeological find from the period between 1400 and 1500, which is currently carefully preserved in the Museum of London. The disc was sewn into the upper part of a canvas or leather bag, creating a lightweight and highly functional transport quiver that fixed the arrows in place and protected them from the weather.

Installation and Use Instructions

This spacer is primarily intended for a DIY historical quiver. For proper installation, prepare a tube made of coarse canvas, linen, or leather. Fold the edge of the fabric over the rim of the leather disc and sew it firmly through the pre-punched perimeter holes using a strong linen or waxed thread. You will thereby obtain an authentic bag that holds exactly twenty-five arrows. The diameter of the inner holes is 10 mm (approx. 0.39 inches), which is absolutely ideal for the vast majority of historical wooden shafts.

Technical Parameters of the Leather Spacer

Care for Leather Components

Even though this is a robust technical component, leather is still a natural material that requires basic maintenance. To ensure the arrow spacer retains its strength and does not start to crumble over time, we recommend lightly impregnating it with a high-quality leather balm containing beeswax before sewing it into the quiver. If you get soaked at an archery tournament, let the entire quiver dry naturally at normal room temperature. Strictly avoid quick drying on a hot radiator, near an open flame, or in harsh sunlight. The intense heat would cause the leather to warp, harden, and irreversibly crack.

Recommended Accessories

To complete your archery project, we highly recommend purchasing unbleached linen thread and a set of sturdy saddler's needles from our range, with which the sewing of the quiver will go smoothly. To fill your new quiver, our precisely crafted replicas of historical arrows with forged arrowheads will certainly come in very handy.