Hourglass Gauntlets, Milan ca. 1370, approx. 1.6 mm Steel

Milan Gauntlets, Medieval Hourglass Gauntlets, Pair, ca. 1370
Approx. 1.6 mm Steel, Brass and Leather

In the late Middle Ages and Early Modern periods, gauntlets were an essential part of the suit of armour, protecting the hands and wrists in hand-to-hand combat and during jousting tournaments.

The late medieval battle gauntlets we offer here (also known as hourglass gauntlets owing to their particular sandglass-like shape) are based on historical pieces that are believed to have been crafted by a Milanese armour smith in the mid to late 14th century (approx. 1370), and can be admired at the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence, Italy.

They are crafted from 1.6 mm thick steel and, just like the original examples, embellished and reinforced with brass on the back of the hand and around the wrist and lower cuff. The inside is blackened for better corrosion resistance.

The flexible design of these battle-ready finger gauntlets allows for adequate freedom of movement, and wearing comfort is ensured by the integrated (riveted and stitched) black suede gloves and additional finger pads made of thick, brown leather. A brown leather strap on each palm keeps the glove securely in place during combat.

Suitable for combat reenactment / stage fighting, this pair of articulated, fully wearable steel gauntlets is most fitting for late medieval settings and particularly well-suited to complete the knight’s armour of a 14th c. European warrior.

Details:
- Material: approx. 1.6 mm mild steel (slight variations in steel thickness may occur due to the hand manufacturing process), sheet brass fittings, black suede gloves, brown leather pads and straps
- One-size (Large)
- Outer dimensions (HxB – without suede gloves): approx. 24 x 13 cm
- Dimensions of inner gloves: approx. 28 x 11 cm, corresponds roughly to a glove size 9)
- Inner circumference at wrist: approx. 25 cm
- Inner diameter at wrist: approx. 9 cm
- Weight (pair): approx. 2150 g

Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece.

The steel used here is not rust-proof and might show slight surface tarnishing in places. We recommend you to maintain the plate gauntlets on a regular basis, for example using Ballistol Universal Oil, which is ideally suited for steel care.