The Armour Archive

First off, obviously I'm new but thanks to the many posts made on these forums and the wealth of knowledge I've gained and have yet to gain from this place and it's members. Now onto business.

Currently working on joining the SCA at some point in the nearish future. One thing I'm attempting to decide is obviously my persona I have a number of things jumbling around in my head however one problem caused by my creative side. There's certain things I want from my armor that I'm not sure are even a good idea and are at all historically accurate. I recognize the need to fit in and that there are rules. My question though is this:
Does anyone know of an armor type, and the information such as period etc to which this type belongs, that uses a combination of a Brigandine, and a "demi-cuirass" as in a cuirass that only covers the upper chest and sternum. The picture in my mind is one of a Brigandine that only has plates in the lower half, and that I would wear the Cuirass over the other half. I really like the idea... but my knowledge is limited so please, be honest in your opinions. I'm trying to decide where I am going and if it's all feasible.

What your describing is esentially a breast and back with a fabric covered fauld. (Breast and backplates generally only cover the ribcage not the abdomen so there's no need to call it a demi breast and back). According to Oalshot, sutch an armour was listed in the inventory of Thomas Duke of Glouster 1397. I think it would be most appropriate for the last quarter of the 14th century.

Ah. You want one of these:

http://www.mediumaevum.com/josh/fmc663157o.jpg

Saint Victor, by Hugo Van der Goes, c.1450. Note that the upper torso is stoutly defended by a steel plate cuirass (over a brigandine?) and the lower by brigandine work. Its appearance in a painting doesn't mean that anything like that actually existed, but at least it demonstrates that it wasn't entirely unimaginable to the people of that period, and so it isn't totally off-the-wall implausible.

Please post photos if you make one such.

Wonderful! I am indebted to you both, i have got names, dates and a picture to go off now and start some proper research of my own. Thank you a lot, and Cet, thanks for the terminology tip, i tried to do the best with what i knew so it made some sense.
I of course promise pictures should it ever get completed... many moons from now:roll: