Thursday, March 3, 2016

Mid-15th C. Italian Export Armor

Here's my attempt at a Mid-15th C. kit to replicate Italian-made armor for export - possibly to England for Men at Arms participating in the War of the Roses. Well, that's the fluff anyway. The arm and leg harnesses are the same as used in the Late-14th/Early-15th C. kit. The Sallet and Bevor are 14 gauge steel and mighty weighty. So much so that when my wife helped me put on the helmet, she said never to wear it again as it could injure my neck or spine. The recently acquired mitten gauntlets, breastplate and spaulders have been added.
I'm not sure if the Talhoffer buckler would've been carried while in full armor, but it looks cool.
Even though the mitten gauntlets fit well, I found them harder to grip the sword than with the fingered Hourglass gauntlets.
Spaulders are bit too big, I may try to reshape them to curve more and tighten up the spaces between the lames.
A mail haubergeon would likely have been worn under the breastplate to protect the back and groin area, but I was too lazy to put it on.
Guard Duty
Just a little bonus for bearing with me on this post.
As always, a sincere thank you for visiting.

ADDENDUM - In response to Sander's very good question on where I store the stuff - here's an image I just took (sun actually came out today!) of my hobby corner. Please note the new gear on top of the larger cabinet. The bevor is behind the mitten gauntlets. Only the spaulders are missing - I plan on working on them to make them a bit more curved.
My wife tolerates my armor collecting as long it stays in this corner - looks like there's still room for a pole axe!

28 comments:

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    1. Thanks you very much, Fran! I figured gamers would get the last image :) Warm regards, Dean

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  2. The collection looks amazing Dean and you've clearly had a lot of fun with it.

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    1. Appreciate the visit and nice comment, Michael. Yes, the more I wear the armor, the more comfortable it gets - that is I'm getting used to the weight and wear to position stuff better. Warm regards, Dean

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  3. LOL Thats rather bad ass. That last pic should have you fighting zombies!

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    1. Thanks, Simon. It was either Russians or them :)! Best, Dean

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  4. Now a barbute will put the icing on the Italian cake - condottieri, anyone?

    You know it makes sense...
    : )

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    1. That is a fine choice, Ev! Thanks as always, Dean

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  5. Funnuy and beautiful, love the stunning last pic Dean!

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    1. Thanks, Phil. You mean the Germans didn't have a unit of guys in full armor near the end of the war? :) Warm regards, Dean

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    1. Glad you liked it, Jon! Warm regards, Dean

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  7. Lovely! I like the bonus photo too! :o)

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    1. Thanks, Phil! That image appears to be a favorite :) Warm regards, Dean

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  8. Great looking additions to your expanding armoury!

    Christopher

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    1. Thanks, Christopher. My corner of the living room is getting a bit tight - I have the armor in a corner as well as on top of display cases. But I think I have room for a pole axe! :) Best Regards, Dean

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  9. Haha! Last pic is great!
    Vety,very goood and beatifull armour!

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  10. brilliant tale and armour, but you know by now I am pretty curious after your armoury! Where do you store all your suits?! Have you got a walk-in-armoury?

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    1. Thanks, Sander - very good question - I ended up putting the new pieces on the top of a display cabinet. I'll post an image of it as an addendum to this post. My wife does not want me getting more stuff due to space :) Warm regards, Dean

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  11. Lol, the last pic made me chuckle!

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    1. Glad to you liked it Ray. I wanted to show the similarities of the helmets. Best, Dean

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  12. Pukapule Dean - luv the armored MP40 action too!

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    1. Thanks, Doc. You know how innovative the Germans were :) Regards, Dean

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  13. Wow :)
    Now, how can I sneak that into the house without the wife knowing...?

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    1. Lol! Make sure you keep the rivets well oiled :) Regards, Dean

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  14. Brilliant man cave with the most excellent balance of real stuff and model stuff (for lack of a better description) I am not too sure about the HUGE green plume on the helmet of the centre suit of armour though ;-)

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    1. Lol! Thanks, Sander. A lot of folks say the same thing about the "plume". :) It's not that bad appearance wise in reality. Warm regards, Dean

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