Italian Style Chest and Backplate Churburg S18

Description of the Product

Mail was the predominant torso protection prior to plate. Plate was at first used in coat-of-plates types of constructions from circa 1250 onwards. Late 14th C. saw the first single plated torso armour and by the early 15th C. technology and armouring skill had evolved far enough to produce the full plate armor. This Churburg S18 cuirass is a fine example of the early Italian style plate armour. It dates from around 1380-1410.

The Italian style of armour was rounded in appearance and generally tended to be constructed of large single plates, and not as intricate and articulated as the German style. A warrior fully clad in plate armor was a walking tank and protected from almost all weapons of the day. Smooth round surfaces deflected the force of strong attacks away and weaker attacks did no more harm than scratch the armor.

This replica of a historical armor consist of four parts. The biggest parts are the breastplate and the backplate. Breastplate stops at the natural waist to ensure the safety and mobility of the user. A breastplate that rides too low stops the torso from moving freely. Next pieces are the faulds that protect lower abdomen and hips. The faulds are attached to the breast- and backplate with leather straps, can be adjusted to the wearer and can move and collapse freely to allow maximum mobility of the wearer.

A noteworthy feature of this Churburg S18 breastplate is the V-shaped stop rib. It is essentially a defence for the throat which stops weapons, such as lances, sliding on the round and smooth plate upwards toward the throat. The curve of the stop rib forces all attacks away from throat. The rolled edge of the armor at arm holes and at throat makes the armour safer to wear, and provides yet another ridge for any attacks to cross before hitting the weak points of the armor.

This breast- and backplate is adaptable up to 120 cm chest circumference, including gambeson/arming jack. It is adjustable with leather straps and a leather belt. Weight 7.5 kg.

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