German Asymmetrical Shoulder Armor – 1460–1500

Description of the Product

14th and 15th century medieval plate armor is roughly categorized into Italian style and German style armor. These were the two leading armor development and manufacturing hotspots in Europe and their designs and styles were copied even if the manufacturing and use happened somewhere else within Europe. Italian style armor was stylistically smooth and round and German style had grooves, flutes, sharp turns and peaks in it. Smooth and round armor deflects blows easily away but ridges and grooves give steel more strength and integrity. Naturally the visual style also meant a lot to rich medieval knights who wanted to look fashionable and wear the style of clothing and armor they liked best.

Gothic-style armor was developed in the Holy Roman Empire (in the area of modern-day Germany) during the first half of the 15th century, mirroring Gothic architecture with its arches, sharp silhouettes and vertical lines. The grooves, curves, and ridges in the armor, in addition to decorativeness, provided structural stability, and shielded the wearer from arrows, swords and daggers deflecting blows away from their target. The name “gothic” originates in Italy during the Renaissance to describe the architectural art of the “barbarians” or Goths. This "barbarous German style" was used not only in buildings but also in armor.

This German Asymmetrical Shoulder Armor is crafted in the Gothic style of the late 15th century, which despite its name was popular with knights all over Europe. The left shoulder covers a bit more of the arm pit compared to the right shoulder plate, as the left side is more likely to receive a blow from a right-handed opponent. Also right handed user need a bit more freedom of movement for the arm-hand and the shape of the shoulder plate aids in this. The top of the shoulder is pierced with arming points, to allow the armor to be laced securely in place to either a arming jacket, breastplate or chainmail. There is a leather strap which fastens under each arm for additional fastening to keep the shoulder plates in place during joust for example.

• This armor shields the shoulder
• These shoulder pieces can be worn alone, or together with arm armor
• Made of 1,2 mm thick carbon steel. Steel thickness may vary due to the handcrafted methods used in its manufacturing.
• One size: height 29 cm at center, width 49 cm.
• Weight: 2,76kg/pair
• Sold as a pair, contains armor for both shoulders
• Manufacturer: Marshall Historical