Milanese vambraces with large couters, 1.5 mm

Product description

This wearable, fully articulated reconstruction of a late medieval plate armor for the arms is based on a German original from the 15th century (ca. 1465).

In the early 15th century, full suits of plate armor began to appear in northern Italy. Known as Milanese suits of armor, this style spread throughout Europe and was not region-specific. The Milanese armor style is characterized by large, rounded, and undecorated plate surfaces. Typical helmets worn with this style included the sallet, armet, and barbute. A full hauberk was usually worn underneath the Milanese suit of armor. Milanese armor components were often worn as complete suits, but individual pieces were also commonly used.

Made from 1.5 mm thick steel and blackened on the inside for improved corrosion resistance, this reproduction is designed to protect the forearms, elbows, and lower upper arms.

The arm protection includes a sharply pointed couter (elbow guard), a two-piece (hinged) tubular vambrace for the forearm, and a semi-tubular rerebrace for the upper arm (closed with rivets). Sturdy leather straps riveted on the inside connect all three components, ensuring durability and flexibility. Two holes at the upper edge of the rerebrace allow secure attachment to a pauldron or gambeson — braided cords with brass aiglets are included.