The Armour Archive

Josh W

It is what the 14th century guys say.

But they're very, very wrong.

Josh W

Just ditch the breastplate and wear one of the many, many Coat of Plates designs that included substantial back protection. It's not as if *everyone* in the late 14th century left his back defended only by mail. Heck, isn't there evidence that some back-covering coats of plates included an uncovered...

Josh W

See if you can get them to stick in some good footage of Ieyasu's imported European cuirass.

Josh W

Spiffy, Mike.

I have also tried making riveted mail from scratch, using a set of Forth tools. My results have been similar to yours, though of inconsistent quality. I guess it just takes practice...

Josh W

Heaven preserve us from the century that couldn't produce a decent cuirass.

Josh W

I am a want to be a celt who traveled to persia and is dressed according to being raised there.

Sounds like a "Highlander" style persona story. Will you wear a kilt with this?

Is there any particular reason you want to be a "celt" in Persia instead of a Persian in Persia?

Josh W

I still don't think he was hitting them hard enough to deliver a "telling" blow through mail.

Josh W

My pee-pee has been a-tingle all day with thoughts of this book.

Josh W

I don't think those swords were really that sharp--chisel-sharp, maybe, but not "slice-your-hands-if-you-grab-it" sharp.

Josh W

When do splinted vambraces and greaves first appear in Western Europe? I'm talking about a Transitional context here, not the Valsgarde grave 8 find, or anything else from the "viking" period.

Am I correct that gutter-shaped defenses made of one piece of steel show up before splinted ones do?

Josh W

Why would a 14th century knight not wear armour on his elbow, even under his shield?

I could see a reason for being grumpy about being required to wear an elbow cop if you're, say, a viking, but the opposition to this seems to be coming from the 14th century mafiosi.

Josh W

I would love to try jousting! I think my harness might work for it, I just need a horse...

Josh W

You'd sell a lot more of them if the fauld was more traditional.

Will these have backplates? When you say "breastplate," I think breast with no back, when you say "cuirass," I think breast with back...

Josh W

At least it's spring steel. Pity you can't stop by Kansas on your way to England; I'd happily loan you my own riveted shirt to use.

Josh W

What kind of mail are you wearing with this?

Josh W

I may try to be there on Sunday. I have my ten-year high school reunion on Saturday, and can't make it that day. If I can't go, I'll try and send Benedek, Siggy, and Sgt. Heinrich (AAers all).

Josh W

Your rules (which sound a lot like those of Dagorhir) say that you may indeed have a metal helmet so long as it doesn't cover your entire head. Just have an open-face sallet or bascinet. Could you get away with having the skull of the helmet made of steel, while the visor is leather?

Josh W

Congratulations to Tobias Capwell on his new position at the Wallace.

Now, might it be that he is selling this suit in anticipation of getting one from Radford or another European armourer?

Josh W

http://Ursus.smugmug.com/photos/90636689-L.jpg

What on Earth...?

Josh W

Spiffy.

Josh W

Endre, you rock! well done!

Josh W

Why on Earth is he selling it?

He's getting another one, right?

Josh W

That's you, Sixtus, in the Churburg #13 and visored sugarloaf? I was admiring that kit as I was browsing through the photos last night. I don't often like 14th century armour, but I dig that helmet for some reason...

Josh W

The headpiece is cool, but I really dig your hand protection. That's a good way to fit Japanese-style tekko into the SCA. Spiffy kit. Japanese stuff isn't my thing, but yours has consistently looked good for years.

Josh W

If you'd like to attend Jehan's Crossroads in Time event, Patrick, you are more than welcome to carpool with us, regardless of whether it's held in UT or IL.

Josh W

http://www.cottesimple.com/armourarchiv ... CN0088.JPG

What's that 15th century cuirass doing there? I thought this was a very strict 14th century mafia only event...

Josh W

One of these days, I have got to get down to Liberal.

Josh W

I desperately want to see photos of this year's Combat.

Josh W

The breastplate from Churburg #18 is said to be older (c.1370?) than the rest of it (c.1410-20?). I'd just have a back like that from Churburg #18 done.

Josh W

Since Corpora states that unadorned chains are reserved for knights, I see no problem with it. The rule implies that adorned chains are fair game for anyone to wear. The Lancastrian chain seems pretty darn adorned to me.

Josh W

*Without* the pauldrons? Alas, no I don't.

You don't happen to have any close-up photos of the suit's gauntlets, do you?

Josh W

What you propose sounds similar to many sixteenth century cuirass & gorget combinations, except that you have it reversed: the collarbone/neck protection goes on before the cuirass. The cuirass was frequently cut flat at the top, and did not always reach very high on the chest, relying on a (often d...

Josh W

KÃ¼ssnach.

I really like Matt's design. It's nice to see CoPs other than Wisby type Is.

Josh W

That almost has me wanting a Coat of Plates...

Josh W

A friend of mine owns a pair of Christian Fletcher gauntlets that accomplishes lateral motion by having the cuff pivoting on a single rivet in the center of the plate between it and the metacarpal plate. It gives the effect of being articulated on sliding rivets. Also, I have to differ with Infinity...

Earliest appearance of splinted limb armour?