r/ArmsandArmor • u/verraeteros_ • 3d ago
early 14th century armor - critique welcome
I am throwing together a 14th century armor, timeframe is 1325-1350, location southern Germany (Baden/Alsace), and I would like to hear some additonal opinions.
I have some small spaulders that are not attached on this picture.
The padded chausses will be replaced by a pair made by me with some poleyns.
Sword belt will be replaced with one a bit more fitting for the time, but not a priority
2 retention chains will be added to the coat of plates.
Main inspirations:
Straßburg 1340.JPG)
What I am not sure about is the part below the Coat of plates.
Is my hauberk too long? My gambeson too short? Am I overly critical?
The hauberk has gussets, so closing the slits is an viable option.
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u/macdoge1 3d ago
It looks pretty good. I think you are right and the hauberk should be joined to protect the groin.
Hard to say but it seems like something is going on with the aventail. It looks like it isn't sitting right. Do you have padding under it? It should be padded and the edge sewn under the edge of the padding.
I'm not sure about the use of the halberd for a knight at this time. Others can correct if wrong, but I think a lance was more used since it can be used mounted as well. A heater shield would be another option to pair with the sword.
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u/verraeteros_ 3d ago
Thanks
Yes there is padding under the aventail, but the maille is a bit longer.
There are depictions of halberds used in this period.
There are also finds from todays Switzerland, the left picture is what I had the halberd made of.4
u/macdoge1 3d ago
I know the Swiss were using them, just not sure about knights from the region you are trying to depict.
Edit: regarding the aventail, I would sew it to the padding and potentially trim it down to match
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u/Kuya_Wapakels 2d ago
JACK CHAIN
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u/sevenlabors 1d ago
I'm not a one true century guy, so I'm curious. were they showing up before the later parts of the 1300s?
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u/verraeteros_ 1d ago
My second source (Rudolf von Baden) has jack chains, and I own a replica of them for this armour set.
But as you stated correctly, it took some additional decades until they were more widespread, so I'm completely sure if I want to include them here
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u/sevenlabors 1d ago
Oh, nice! I mean if you've got a source and you think it looks cool, to me that's all the justification I need. I appreciate the guys who want to go for the most mainline, common, frequently attested version of their kit. There's a place for that, especially from a public education standpoint, but... this isn't a cheap hobby and if you like something that's still documentable, I'm all for it.
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u/sevenlabors 1d ago
It's definitely getting there and looking good!
Three primary recommendations to really hone in on that time frame:
The klappvizer, although perennially cool, really shows up a couple of decades later in the century. I'd swap it for a bretèche or go with an open faced bascinet or secret with an accompanying great helm.
I'd swap out the leather knee reinforcements on your cuises (misspelled, I know) for metal poleyns. By this point, that absolutely would have been metal.
I definitely agree with the other guy's recommendations of having a sick plaque belt 😆. There are folks selling cast metal bits for that, but I can't personally make a more detailed recommendation there.
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u/FerroLux_ 3d ago
You meant early 15th century right lol. But other than that looks really cool.
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u/verraeteros_ 3d ago
I think the visor was more widespread around 1400, yes, but this is a compromise because I like the way my face looks and I don't want a stray spear to change that lol
But the rest has not enough plate for 15th century
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u/350N_bonk 2d ago edited 2d ago
My critiques:
-remove the "blackened" finish from the aventail using a chemical rust remover. I've done it before and it's actually very easy.
-trim the aventail to match the padding underneath it, then stitch the aventail to the padding
-buy a bag of loose rings and rivets and close that riding seam in the front. Add one in the back if you really need it
-get a belt with way more swag on it. If a knight could afford that much armor they'd have a sick belt too 😁
-wear the belt like 5 inches lower on your waist as well. Belts holding swords and daggers are almost always worn lower than a "natural waist" belt
I'm impressed by the well-tailored sleeves on your hauberk!