Gantelets et mitaines de brigandine

This section contains different types of brigandine mittens and gauntlets, which were used in Europe in the Middle Ages.

All models are handcrafted and made-to-measure. Every item is made according to the original armour, which was founded during archaeological excavations.

You need to do few simple steps to become an owner of such medieval defense:

1. Open the item, which you wish;
2. Choose type and thickness of metal (cold-rolled steel, stainless steel or titanium);
3. Define metal for rivets and buckles (steel or brass);
4. Select colour of leather.

If you have some difficulties with order, please contact our manager. We will help you to define your size, required model and its complement.

Once all options have chosen, you need to add item to the cart and make a payment. After that, manager will contact you with measurement request and specification of order’s details.

All samples of brigandine mittens and gauntlets are perfect for participation in the tournaments of medieval fencing, historical festivals, bohurts and reenactment events. Depending on the complement, such defense is compliant to the standards and rules of such social movements, as SCA (The Society for Creative Anachronism), HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts), HMB (Historical medieval battles).

If you did not find required element of armour in this section, we can make it individually for you. Just send picture with detailed description to [email protected], then we will quote you and discuss details of order.

First mentions of gauntlets with plates refer to the second part of the XIII century. We could get an idea of such defense from description in the military chronicles and sepulchral figures (for example, gravestone of Robert De Blois, Norfolk, Great Britain).

However, surviving samples from excavations near Visby (Sweden) give us the fullest idea of brigandine hand protection. In the 1361 year, there was gory battle between the Swedes and the Danes. These times, brigandine armour was widely used by almost all European knights. So, it is not surprising, that large quantity of gauntlets was founded in the mass grave. 

Three of more than 18 founded samples remained in perfect condition. Design of gauntlets represented metal plates, which were attached to the smooth base (most likely, leather base). Sample #1 has short wristband, one large plate for palm protection and narrow straps over the phalanges. Gauntlet #2 does not have a wristband (probably, it hasn’t’ been preserved).

Besides, small plates of this gauntlet had being attached under the base, and big wrist and knuckle plates were attached over it. At the same time, sample #3 has long widen wristband consisted of 17 thin plates and which is fixed with two belts on the wrist. Total amount of details in this gauntlet was about hundred.

Inference should be drawn that design of brigandine gauntlets of the XIII-XIV centuries varied. There were also specific armour for usage with particular types of weapon. For example, brigandine mitten for buckler (small fist shield with side hold).

Big plate of such mitten covered back of hand. Fingers were completely enshielded. Wrist and lower part of hand were protected with large flared wristband. It was made of thick leather, to which crafters riveted metal plates.

Read about evolution of hands’ protection in our article.