The Armour Archive

So, I'm going to start my first semi-real (surreal?) armoring project - a Wisby coat of plates for SCA combat. I have a set of plates made from industrial grade conveyor belt with pre-drilled holes (thanks Rainald!). I intend to enclose these plates inside a cover and lining so that they aren't blatantly unperiod to the eye. But I have a few questions for the experienced:

First, outer material & lining. Canvas is cheap, and fairly easy to find. But I was thinking that sailcloth might be better than canvas, mostly for the non-mildewing and water-resistant qualities. I have also thought of going with a suede or leather covering with a canvas backing. I'm also not averse to using some other fabric choice (velvet, satin, linen, etc.) if it would give a better look than the cotton canvas. What would be the best choice as far as (a) look and (b) price? My main priorities are cheapness and indestructability, but I don't want it to look like crap either.

Second - color. Since there is an almost unlimited variety of available colors, what would be the best looking? Would one material above be better in one color than another?

Third - fastening. I have seen CoPs fastened with buckles, straps with rings that you put a thong through, and lacing. What's the best, most idiot-proof method of fastening one of these things?

Fourth - tools. I know I need rivets, a hammer, and something to pound on. Oh yeah- and something to make holes with, like an awl or leather punch. Anything else that would be handy to have? Nothing that involves fire or explosions please - I don't do fire or explosions.

Lastly - what is it that I am not thinking of? Never having made any armor before (except a gambeson, and that's more clothing-like), I am sure that there is something I haven't considered in my project plans. What is it???

Thanks immensely for any assistance!

Gwyneth

well the "no fire and explosions" clause really takes the fun out of everything...
neways im not sure, never made one of those before, but I beleive that leather is generally used on the outside, I suppose you could do any color, black is always cool. I donno the answer to any of the other quesitons, donno if you looked at this site too much, but there is an essay that goes through the process of making a coat of plates(or at least I think their is) never read it, but it might answer some questions

There is a huge variety of coats of plates, with many different patterns for the plates, and many different methods of closure. I would recommend <u>Armour from the Battle of Wisby, 1361</u>, which is probably the largest ever archeological find of coats of plates. There are some 25 armours that were recovered from the mass graves. This book has been recently republished, and is now readily available.

Steve

------------------
Forth Armoury
Highly authentic, affordable riveted maille.

Hello,

Made a couple of these so I'll chime in.

A leather shell will be a little hotter as it doesn't breath very well. I've used sail canvas < 19oz > and normal cheapo canvas <3-4 oz>. The cheapo canvas I doubled up a few layers to strenthen it.

2. Go for colors that were produced in the period you are trying re-create, hence, stay away from hot pink and such.

3. I personally like to be able to arm and dis-arm myself. If this is the case, a side strap will work wonders, think poncho with straps on each side.

4. After you have the shell cut out, lay the plates on the shell. Mark the holes with something < sharpie, pen, pensil >. Use said awl, and pierce a hole in the fabric < do not punch a hole in it with a punch tool >. Use a material or leather washer closest to the head of the rivit, then put the rivit though the shell, then plates, then washer on the inside. Clip to length and pien.

http://www.hammeredsteel.com/gaa/armour/gaa/wisbyinstrutions.htm

This is GAA armouries site, has a good essay on how to construct using his style plates. But you can extrapolate from it.

Saranac Goetz

Well I would go with the colors in his arms red & white. As far as material canvas is period although I dont know if it wased used for that. I dont have to tell you natural materials are comfortable and breath better. I would use a linen or heavy cotton so it is more easily handled in the heat and humidity down here. I would use buckle & straps because they hold well and dont become un adjusted. A drill is handy to drill holes in the plates. Also a sander to knock off any rough edges so it doesnt eat through the fabric. something to cut out the plates with like some heavy shears. A set of cutters is nice also so you can remove rivets if needed.Make sure he is measured for it with the rest of his kit on so it fits right and also so he can move well. I've never made one of these but I know the theort behind it and my gambeson is sort of a cross polination of this and a gambesson.

All you need is a pattern for the outside shell, a ball-pein hammer and rivets. That is if you already have the plates. Some people really like the side opening style, I don't know the authenticity of such styles. But I do know they are really easy for one person to get in and out of. Probably the way you will want to go.

I would make it so that only one side buckle closes and have the other sewn up. When asked to do C.o.P's in this style, I put the buckles on the shield side. That way you can have more protection for the sword side. Since all the plates on the most likely place to get hit over lap completly.

Another thing it depends on is the style of the plates. The foundation shape will sometimes have to vary depending on the shape of the plates.

The rivets are another subject. Roofing nails work extremely well but you have to have a leather washer so it wont tear through the cloth foundation. And seeing that you are using plastic pieces for the plates, they will need a metal washer on the back. Probably way too much work. Speedy Rivets will work also. But depending on how thick the plastic plates are it might be hard to find some that long. The only place i know of in town probably won't have them in the length you need. When using cotton cloth as a foundation i would definatly recommend using leather washers no matter which style of rivet you choose.

So if you are going to the A&S tonight or next week bring it and i can show you some differing styles.

Thanks guys for all the advice! I wasn't at A&S last night (as you may have noticed) but will be there next week.

Right now I am really trying to decide between sailcloth and leather for the covering/lining. Also color - I just don't like the look of white armor (plus it needs LOTS of care!) and I don't think red would look "right" with the other armor Marvin currently has. I'll probably just stick all his armor up on a stand and then play with construction paper until I find the color that looks right.

Anyone else have CoP color advice?

Gwyneth

Take canvas or sailcloth. Take lots of onion peels (LOTS). Hot water, near boiling. Dunk cloth repeatedly, or soak.

Either color works, gives wonderful tones. Fix with vinegar.