Milanese vambraces with large couters, 1.5 mm

Product description

The wearable, fully articulated reconstruction of a late medieval plate armour for the arms is based on a German original from the 15th century (ca. 1465).

In the early 15th century, full suits of plate armour began to appear in northern Italy. These are known as Milanese suits of armour. This style was worn throughout Europe and was therefore not region-specific. The Milanese armour style is characterised by large, rounded, and undecorated plate surfaces. Typical helmets worn with this style included the sallet, armet, and barbute. A full hauberk was usually worn underneath the Milanese suit of armour. Milanese armour components were often worn as complete suits, but individual pieces were also commonly used.

The reproduction is crafted from 1.5 mm thick steel and blackened on the inside for improved corrosion resistance. It has been designed to protect the forearms, elbows, and lower upper arms.

The arm protection consists of a sharply pointed couter (elbow guard), a two-piece (hinged) tubular vambrace for the forearm, and a semi-tubular rerebrace for the upper arm (closed with rivets). The three components are connected by sturdy leather straps riveted on the inside, ensuring both durability and flexibility. Two holes at the upper edge of the rerebrace permit secure attachment to a pauldron or gambeson (braided cords with brass aiglets are included).