The Armour Archive

Anyone purchase a gambeson from them? I'm curious about the materials used & thickness. I'm guessing on part with GDFB gambesons? I know there are many other places to get good gambesons, but I plan to purchase chainmail from them anyway & the cost of adding a gambeson is minimal. I currently have my eye on the red one with the dragged edge across the bottom.

Thanks!

There are a few indian companies that are posting this gambeson, which is actually a gambeson from a Ukranian maker, I believe. I'm not sure if this is what you mean by "Red gambeson with with dagged-edge along the bottom" but it seems to be making the rounds on the indian manufacturers.
If you read the reviews there are complaints from multiple customers that the gambeson that they receive in the mail isn't the one in the photos. (And that makes sense because, as I say above. that original photo is from a eastern European maker, I believe).


From what I read from a few descriptions in the complaints, this is what they are actually receiving:
INDIAN RED DAGGED GAMBESON

-Cian

It looks like you are correct, Cian, and that's the same gambeson that allbeststuff has for sale. It certainly looks like it's low quality, but what can you expect for $33?

http://allbeststuff.com/allbeststuff-Ga ... d-OR-Black

I knew they were using other people's photos but wasn't aware of the complaints so thanks for the heads up on that. If they're on par with GDFB then I might bite but not if the variance is like what you linked.

So now my question is, anyone know who makes the ORIGINAL one in red?

I think it may have been Steel Mastery. But not 100% positive.
Kult of Athena has something similar but in black and green. The arm pits are cut out in this model, but it has the bag sleeves, tapered waist and dagged edges (at least in the photos.) similar to the Jupon of Charles the Bold. I don't know anyone that has bought one, nor have I seen one in person to confirm that is what it looks like.

http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=AB3252

The problem with some of the stuff from GDFB, early on was that it had a stink to it when it got wet from sweat or heated-up from the body.
-Cian

I was planning on picking up one of the above ones from KOA - I am close enough I can drive there and check it out before purchase. Unfortunately I am headed out of town for the weekend to joust and will be away on business Monday through Wednesday - so Thursday...

30 bucks? how much is shipping?

Don't buy it!!!!!!

I fell for the same trap. Mine was a pic from Armstreet? Looked awesome.

What I got was a god damned "gambeshit" made of CORDUOROY, and stuffed so full of synthetic batting I looked like a blue Stay Puft Marshmellow man. I ripped almost 2/3rds of the stuffing out, re-did the sleeves and restitched the bottom.

Basically I spent hours on a gambeshit that looks like it's from the '80s. I'd have been better off spending the $ on a quality one.

I too have contemplated buying one and when I checked shipping to Buffalo, NY it was around $22.

We have an armorer local that buys all his mail from them for helmets and has not had any quality issues.

For under $60 I keep saying this is a "you get what you pay for" scenario but my primary kit is 13th century and I'm looking for a gambeson for a Deed of Arms kit. In my situation you would see the color of the sleeves under my arm harness and mail and possibly the dagged bottom.

Will

Mlanteigne wrote:Don't buy it!!!!!!

I fell for the same trap. Mine was a pic from Armstreet? Looked awesome.

What I got was a god damned "gambeshit" made of CORDUOROY, and stuffed so full of synthetic batting I looked like a blue Stay Puft Marshmellow man. I ripped almost 2/3rds of the stuffing out, re-did the sleeves and restitched the bottom.

Basically I spent hours on a gambeshit that looks like it's from the '80s. I'd have been better off spending the $ on a quality one.

Are I ask for pictures?

Mlanteigne wrote:Don't buy it!!!!!!

I fell for the same trap. Mine was a pic from Armstreet? Looked awesome.

What I got was a god damned "gambeshit" made of CORDUOROY, and stuffed so full of synthetic batting I looked like a blue Stay Puft Marshmellow man. I ripped almost 2/3rds of the stuffing out, re-did the sleeves and restitched the bottom.

Basically I spent hours on a gambeshit that looks like it's from the '80s. I'd have been better off spending the $ on a quality one.

That pretty much convinced me to hold off for something better. Sorry to hear it was such a disappointment.

My friend uses a GDFB one, My current one is from Morgana's Collection which is much thinner than the GDFB one and I kind of prefer it thinner anyway. Just looking for something better-looking.


Thanks for the feedback everyone!

I bought the green on years ago. it held up well. It's heavy duty canvas with wool on the inside. It's a bit thick to be used as a proper arming garment but as a stand alone with a kidney belt it worked great. I hated the open arm pits so i stitched riveted maille into it so it looked like i was wearing maille underneath.