the middle rivets on backplates

shark_ef · Post by **shark_ef** » Wed May 04, 2005 11:39 pm

Why are there rivets down the middle of backplates? i understand the ones at the sides but wouldn't rivets that attach the lower pieces to the upper piece in the middle not allow any movement, i've seen back plates both ways and am wondering about it. thanks (for an example of what i'm talking about check out the breast/back plate in the thread the making of a suit in pictures)

armoradict · Post by **armoradict** » Thu May 05, 2005 1:49 am

not sure if this will help, but... the center rivit in segmented breast and back plate does not fasten the two pieces together directly, but is instead rivitted to a leather strap that A) allows movement between the two pieces and B) stops it from moving so much that it creates gaps.

Josh W · Post by **Josh W** » Thu May 05, 2005 7:26 am

Shark, the backplate in that thread is very similar to mine; they were made by the same armourer:

http://josh.mediumaevum.com/joshcuirass3.jpg

The upper backplate does not articulate. It is simply made of four plates and riveted together. All the range of motion in the back is provided by the strap attachment to the lower backplate. Why? That's just the way the Italians made them. Maybe it was an aesthetic thing..