Schynbalds were an early form of plate armor for the lower leg. They consisted of metal plates that were attached over chain mail chausses. Each schynbald was a single piece of steel that covered the front and outside of the shin. They didn't fully enclose the lower leg, so they weren't true greaves (leg plates that protect the entire lower leg).
Origins and use
Schynbalds appeared around the years 1230–1250. They were worn throughout the 14th and 15th centuries as part of an armour. In the later period of their use, they were no longer attached directly to chain mail chausses, but fastened to a padded underarmour with buckles and belts. This made them sturdier and more comfortable to wear.
Replacement and decline
At the beginning of the 15th century, schynbalds were gradually replaced by full greaves, especially in the so-called 'white armour' of the early 15th century. By the 16th century, schynbalds had largely fallen out of use and disappeared from European armour composition.
