Medieval Suits of Armor

Suits of Armor changed dramatically over the centuries of the middle ages. This was an arms race that was determined predominantly by the advancements of metalworking and blacksmithing skills.

Suits of Armor changed dramatically over the centuries and there are quite a few different ways that they can be categorized and identified. I will cover some of these methods of classification and categorization.

The three major types of suits of armor:

When it comes to complete suits of armor one way that they are categorized is strictly by function. And when it comes to function there are three different types: 1. Field Armor that was meant to be used during actual combat, 2. Ceremonial armor and 3. Jousting armor. As you can probably figure out all three of these functions meant changes in the armor.

1. Field armor: This was worn in combat so it had to be light and flexible so the knight had good mobililty, yet it had to be as strong as possible.

2. Ceremonial armor: This was meant for ceremonies so it would often be adorned with silver, gold, copper and cloth. How it looked was more important than how much protection it offered. Yet, ease of motion was still very important.

3. Jousting or Tournament Armor: This armor was made for maximum defense often at the expense of mobility. When a knight was mounted on a horse he had very little need for mobility. One of the predominant characteristics of this was an over sized and curved guard on the left shoulder to ward off an opponents lance.

 

 

Milanese Armour - 16 G Steel - Fully Articulated

This 'Milanese' full-harness displays the characteristic robust and rounded appearance of armour produced in northern Italy throughout the 15th century. Armour of this type incorporates large and smooth glancing surfaces in its construction, the theory being that these rounded surfaces would help to deflect an opponents weapons. ; ; The embossed ridges and fluting that typify armour of the Gothic style are generally absent in Milanese style armour. Other typical Milanese features include mail sabatons (foot protection) and mitten gauntlets. Many of the parts that compose our Milanese armour, including the T-face barbute helm, are based on the 'Avant' armour that is housed in the Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow. This near-complete harness was made at the Corio workshop in Milan, and dates from around 1440. ; ; Included with the armour are the mail skirt, standard and voiders pictured, featuring Wedge Rivets and Flat Ring construction.

 

16th-Century Italian Armor Sculpture wit...

Our amazingly detailed, six-foot-tall, full-sized medival suit on a museum mount is crafted from quality designer resin and finished in faux silver and brass. So realistic that it even features faux chain mail, faux leather strapping and a hinged helmet that opens, it embodies the chivalry of the Renaissance and the ancient art of armor. Wielding a nearly seven-foot-tall halberd, this work of decorative art is fit for a king! 22.5"Wx18"Dx72"H. 60 lbs. This item ships from our warehouse and depending on your location you should receive a call to set up a delivery appointment within 3-7 business days. All truck/motor freight deliveries are to the first door of the building only. Delivery service is available Monday-Friday during normal business hours. Delivery times are generally scheduled within a 4-hour window. The carrier will contact you directly to schedule an appointment, so please provide us with a daytime phone number.

 

 

Gothic Suit of Armour Display Throughout the centuries, Italian armour was highly prized for incredible detailing and superior style! Our superb reproduction of Gothic Armour is crafted in the styling tradition of those master craftsmen who created the originals for Kings and Knights throughout Europe. This suit has a highly sought after blued finish which gives this armour a very authentic appearance and features metal skirting encircling the back, (no fake velvet here!), which allows you to stand this armour in the middle of a room, for a great view from all sides if desired. The armour comes complete with stand and halberd. See the difference between a suit of armour from Italy and others made elsewhere, there is no comparison in styling. 7' high to top of halberd, 6' to top of helm.

 

A Paper Mache Suit of Armor

This picture is of a complete suit of armor made out of paper mache and it was submitted by an instructor (Dave. O) One of his students made it. My thanks to Dave for the picture and to the student for having the persistence to complete this massive project!

5 Foot Suit of Armor Medieval Knight	Steel Breastplate - Roman Muscle Cuirass	Large Suit of Armor

 

Battle Armor Full Body 34 inch long butted chainmail. The chestpiece is what the full armor is, the hood (coif) is not included.       Chain Mail Coif Medieval Knight Armor 8mm Butted Rings 16 gauge and galvanizeed steel coif         Medieval Blued Full Suit of Armor Italian armour has been highly sought after throughout the centuries by Knights and Nobility in Europe. Our superb reproduction of Medieval Armour is crafted in the styling tradition of those master craftsmen who created the origina for kings and their soldiers. This suit of wearable articulated armour has a highly desired blued plate finish duplicating the appearance of the medieval originals that can be seen today in museum collections around the world. This exquisitely crafted blued steel armour stands about 6-1/2 foot tall on a quality wood base. Complete with sword and stand. Here is a common list of the parts of a suit of armor:   Helmet:Protected the head. Was often placed over some type of protection like a chainmail coif.   Coif: A piece of head protection that was worn under the helmet. It was usually made of chainmail material.   Cuirass or Breastplate: Covered the chest and was worn over a cloth or chainmail undergarment.   Gauntlets: used to protect the hands,wrists and forearms. They were very intricately made in order to maximize mobility of the hands while still giving good protection.   Arm Armor: carefully made to protect the arms yet provide free movement at the shoulders and elbows.   Leggings: Covered the legs and as in the arm pieces they were made to offer maximum coverage and flexibility.   Foot Wear: covered the feet   Gorget:Worn around the neck to protect the weak area between the breastplate and the helmet.     A Real Suit of Armor from the Middle Ages - This is a picture of a suit of armor on display at the Higgins Armory in Massachusetts. I have a page with pictures and more including some amazing weapons and polearms. The Higgins Armory           The Art Of Mail Armor: How to Make Your Own Picture yourself in a full set of shining mail armor at your next reenactment, fair or costume party. And the best part is that you can say you made it yourself. The Art of Mail Armor shows you how to start with a piece of wire and end with a finished garment that costs a fraction of what it would ready-made and fits perfectly because it was custom made just for you. The book features seven original patterns from the author and step-by-step diagrams and instructions for attractive coifs (head coverings), hauberks (shirts), gauntlets, (gloves) and bishop's collars, as well as juggling balls, necklaces, belts, crosses and other jewelry. Find out how easy it is to assemble your tool kit and materials; acquire the best wire for specific items; measure for a perfect fit; join, enlarge, round, angle and fit sleeves; and incorporate decorative trimmings and inlays to make your designs truly unique. Also learn some quick and easy tricks for keeping your pieces clean and shiny - with no scrubbing or expensive commercial cleaners. Whether you are a Renaissance or medieval enthusiast, reenactor, historian, martial artist, jewelry designer or just someone with an interest in armor, you'll want to add this book to your library. Even experienced mail makers will find new ideas and techniques. Arms & Armor (DK Eyewitness Books) In a world where even toy guns are reviled by pacifistic parents there exists the extraordinary Eyewitness Book Arms & Armor . Studying weaponry is an unusual, fascinating angle on human history, as people have always used weapons to hunt, defend themselves, or attack. This intriguing photo essay examines the design, construction, and use of hand weapons and armor--from the Stone Age axe to the revolvers and rifles of the Wild West. In the tradition of the Eyewitness series, Arms & Armor begins with a short introduction to prehistoric weapons, accompanied by a photograph-rich spread with fascinating, history-packed, fun-fact-loaded captions. The Los Angeles Times Book Review says the Eyewitness Books are "like a mini-museum between the covers of a book," and they are right! From crude Paleolithic hand axes, we progress to missile weapons; the first warriors (and the effect of the discovery of copper and bronze on tools and weapons); the weapons of the armies of ancient times; weapons from the Dark Ages; European swords; crossbows versus longbows; axes, daggers, and knives; plate and mail armor; Indian warriors; Japanese samurais; early firearms; flintlock firearms; dueling swords; dueling pistols ("Although illegal, for centuries dueling was a popular way for 'gentlemen' and army officers to settle their quarrels," the section begins); bizarre, extraordinary, seemingly impractical hand weapons; grenadiers and cavalry; pistols; "Guns that won the West"; North American Indian weapons; and, believe it or not, more. This book is sure to find an audience with youngsters obsessed with knights and times medieval, art-history buffs, amateur historians, or anyone with a penchant for pistols. (Ages 9 to 12) --Karin Snelson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.