Pikeman’s Plate Armor 1607

Description of the Product

In late 16th and early 17th century Europe the Spanish empire was at the height of its importance. The Netherlands, or the “those lands over there” felt neglected in the vast empire, and soon both taxes and the wars of religion resulted in what was known as the Eighty Years´ War or the War of Dutch independence. In order to help this revolt against the Hapsburgs, Jacob de Gheyn of Antwerp illustrated a book that became a great success and was translated widely, further cementing the military reputation of the Netherlands. It was viewed in such high regard that its publishing was delayed to prevent it falling into enemy hands. "Wapenhandelinghe Van Roers. Mvsqvetten. Ende Spiessen" or “Exercise of Armes” is a manual of uses and exercises with caliver, musket and pike. The classical drill discipline which the manual promotes greatly influenced European military training during both the Thirty Years War as well as the English Civil War.
(You can view this original manual free online by clicking this -link-)

Pikemen were used to defend the musketeers and the rest of the infantry, but were occasionally also used offensively. Pikes had been used since antiquity, and by the 17th C. the continuous arms race meant that the pikes had grown even up to 7,5 m. Due to the cumbersome nature of the pike, pikemen also had to use a secondary weapon if the battle turned into a melee.

Based on the 117 stunning illustrations by de Gheyn we have replicated this beautiful piece of armor. It is an excellent addition to any collector or re-creator of the Thirty Years War or the English Civil War. The armor includes the breastplate, the back plate as well as the tassets and a leather belt on the waist as well as steel plated straps on shoulders. The breastplate comes in one size that fits most, just like original munition armors.

You can find Pikeman's Helmet 1607 by clicking this -link-.

• Made of 1,4 mm-1,6 mm steel. Steel thickness may vary due to the handcrafted methods used in manufacturing
• Maximum chest circumference approx. 115-120 cm and maximum waist approx. 129 cm
• Remember to measure yourself with any gambeson/buff coat you would like to wear under the armor
• Weight approx. 7.9 kg
• Made of carbon steel
• Made by Marshall Historical