The Armour Archive

hey all.

Going in for abdominal surgery within the month.

My current body armour is a decade old (at least) egg armoury corrazina worn with out a gambeson. It is close to failing, as there is a crack in the t-part of the top back plate.

What would be the best protection for my belly, c.1380?

CoP? Corazzina? Breastplate with hooped faulds?

Plastic? Mild? Spring?

WHo makes 'em?

Thanks!

Coat of plates or early breastplate.

If you're asking me to be bold with your money, I'd say spring steel.

Jehan de Pelham, squire of Sir Vitus

I would go for either the Corrizina or the Breastplate, the CoP does not offer quite the protection in the mid section. The plates on a CoP actually lie against the stomach (the entire body) but a the breastplate actually has a space and nothing should touch that area.
Just be careful and take the advice of your Dr... Don't hurt yourself (or worse) over a game.

If you're going for the German look, go with a breastplate with covered fauld. Something along the lines of what Beringer von Berlichingen, d.1377, Schöntal, is wearing. Exposed (white) lames on the fauld did not come into use till later.
If you're going for the Italian look, a Corazzina would be good.

Erik

Actually the "Arrest of St James" alterpiece (Italy, 1371) shows an uncovered breast plate with exposed fauld.