15th Century Gothic Breastplate, 16-Gauge Steel Cuirass

"A man-at-arms must keep light on his feet whilst turning away an opponent's strike; a breastplate forged too heavy is as deadly as cold iron through the ribs." Osric, Keeper of the Hearth & Forge

Shaped in the distinct 15th-century Gothic fashion, this cuirass captures the martial balance between protection and vital agility favoured by late medieval fighters. Formed from 16-gauge mild steel, the plate incorporates characteristic lines and subtle fluting across the chest, echoing historical harness designs while maintaining a functional weight of approximately four kilograms.

Each piece shows the genuine marks of the workbench, with subtle hand-made variations in rivets, finish, and detailing that grant individual character to your kit. The interior of the plate has been polished smooth, a deliberate measure that both bolsters resistance against corrosion and prevents chafing against your undergarments during long hours in the field.

For secure harness fitting, the armour is fitted with durable, crossed genuine leather straps and buckles across the back, granting an adjustable and steadfast closure. Wear it over a quilted canvas gambeson for optimal comfort, or anchor it alongside pauldrons, tassets, and a backplate to assemble a complete field harness for reenactment gatherings, Renaissance faires, or LARP skirmishes.

Maintenance in camp requires basic discipline: the steel arrives coated in a protective oil layer that should be wiped clean before deployment and regularly reapplied after each muster to ward off rust. Keep the iron dry, nourish the leather straps with balm, and this breastplate will serve you across countless campaigns.