Hourglass Gauntlets

Description of the Product

Most sword types are designed to give some protection to the hand, but for example in a melee blows can come from anywhere, leaving your fingers badly injured. This is why gauntlets were, and still are, considered indispensable in any swordfight.

By the 1300’s chainmail was being slowly replaced by plate armor, and this transition is clear in gauntlets. At first the metal plates were small and attached to either leather or fabric glove. By 1350 a larger single piece of armor had been introduced that protected the wrist. This piece was narrow at the wrist and flared out -in an hourglass-shape- towards the fingers and the elbow. Although this piece was made without any articulation, the flared hourglass shape allowed movement of the wrist. Different types of finger guards (lamellar, scales and jointed plates) were then added to the cuff. Examples of this type of gauntlet are present in various representations throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, demonstrating the reliability of its design.

These reinforced gauntlets are historically authentic and were commonly used from c. 1350’s to around 1420’s. The knuckles and finger joints have double reinforcements and the fingertip scales are curved to allow extra protection. The leather gloves have an extra layer of padding on the top to absorb shocks. The inner part of the wrist opening has been shaped for increased mobility.

Made of 1.6 mm steel. Steel thickness may vary due to the handcrafted methods used in manufacturing. Made by Marshall Historical.

Sizes: 9 (23,5 - 26cm) and 11 (26 - 31cm).
For best fit measure around the nuckles with the tape inside your fist.