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Medieval leather armour was developed through the years to incorporate some of the distinct elements in every new system. The main aim was to provide a balance of protection and flexibility and, therefore, the beauty and complexity of each type.
The processing of such armour was equally costly and complicated; therefore, it is based on the class of threat that was to be mitigated in any given period.
Some of the diverse forms of these Medieval Leather Armors include:
Batwing: There are also known as underarms, extending down to the sides of the body from the shoulder. This cuts a flap, so protection is also provided to the arms without restricting movement.
Sam Browne Style Belt: This belt is still called a cross belt through which weapon cases can also be secured. Apart from holding the harness together, the style also brings additional protection as it connects different pieces of armour effectively.
Frog: A unique soft leather cover of various designs to fit several blades within it. Frogs were traditionally fastened to belts or slings, giving easy access to weapons while keeping them firmly in place.
Culet: The part of the body that hangs down from the back of the breastplate and guards the buttocks. The culet, which offers protection for some important anatomical areas, is popularly articulated and detailed as possible.
Spall Liner: A spall liner is a special liner that is used in hard armours to protect against the small fragments of projectile weapons. In the absence of a spall liner, there would have been injuries to the body by shrapnel from missiles that hit the hard body armour.
Every piece of leather armor was unique in design depending on the region, period, and intended use, however, certain basic elements went into the construction of medieval leather armour.
These key features add more value to its usefulness and sturdiness:
Thongs/Laces: They are made from a well-knowleathetical lace that serves as a tying element for various parts of the armoured body. They afford flexibility by letting different parts bend and twist as required, thus tightly sealing the parts.
Straps and Buckles: They are fastened with straps and metallic buckles, which help keep the armour in its rightful position even as one moves around. They were generally made of brass because it was easy to work on and highly resistant to rusting.
Rivets: Rivets are metallic fasteners for the many armour parts. They are used for attaching plates, reinforcing seams, and offering additional structural support.
Sewing: Only the strongest thread was used to sew several pieces together. Many seams, like three or two seams, would result in triangle patterns and added strength to the areas likely to be under high-stress.
Leather armoured bodies were employed in warfare and left aside their use in fighting). Many forms of protection were prevalent throughout the ages and, as such, with different characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages were given to each phase and environment through time.
Battles and Combat: The main purpose of leather armour came during fighting and war. Within the combat, soldiers needed protection from possible damages while retaining mobility to enable fighting ability. Where ranged warfare was concerned, closer distance combat required, great focus was placed on heavy defensive structure.
Tournaments and Jousting: Tournaments were popular forms of military training in later Middle Ages and other periods. Jousting competitions and melee fighting helped improve fighting prowess. Leather armour was regularly worn in such contests; it stopped bludgeoning blows but did not kill or disable very much.
Daily Wear and Travel: In addition to fighting wear, leather armours became common sense in many modes of existence. A degree of protection was required on journeys through such unknown and dangerous territories. Robberies, wild animals, and different enemies frightened different people. The armour minimised risks.
Military Drills and Training: Soldiers trained to acquire the needed self-discipline in maintaining order in their unit, performing complicated maneuvers, and fighting skills. Leather armour was worn during training sessions so that fighting and movement were mastered in a protective outfit.
These armours were used for the many ages they could go through; some were toughened to withstand many strikes. Certain precious materials were used and later sacrificed in this application without borders. Some of the major specifications included:
Thickness: In the Middle Ages, leather armours were basically made up of leather, which had a dimension as his thickness. Variety of thickness for leather types was between 3 to 10 millimetres. The heavier the leather, the greater the protection. However, heavy grades reduced flexibility.
Type of Leather: The types of leather were used in the making of the armours. Cattle and goats were primarily used in making the leather. Cattel leather was too thick and required a lot of time and effort to work on it; goatskin was soft and very easy to shape.
Construction Techniques: The various forms of medieval leather armours were different concerning the way they were constructed. In some patterns, leather was merely dovetailed, and in others, it was riveted and supported by iron or bronze.
Reinforcement: There were some parts that were reinforced with metal for extra protection. Parts that came frequently under threat, such as the chest, back, and shoulders, were often reinforced with metal plates.
Fit and Coverage: Leather armour was fitted to the body closely enough for protection but loosely enough for total movement. The design aimed at covering the vital parts while equipping the wearer with manoeuvring capacities.
Choosing medieval leather armours requires a relative balance between degree of security offered, degree of manoeuvrability, and historical appropriateness. Many criteria work together as one when a proper context is looked into in which the armour will be used.
Materials: Considering the kind of leather used is important as it would determine the level of protection and flexibility that would be enjoyed. The thickness also enhances protection, while the type offers flexibility and comfort.
Design: Historical accuracy should also be desired in the designs of the armour since they would be representative of the period in history of that given 'leather armour.' There are several preferred designs of leather armours for different historical periods and regions.
Fit: Good fitting is a crucial determinant of the effectiveness of the armour. Tight-fitting armour keeps the body safe from possible strikes but permits movement. Poor fittings may result in loss of protection since the strikes may find some spaces.
Class of Protection: The design of body leather armour is different in grades, some for ease of wear in everyday life, such as journeys, and some for use on the battlefield. Accommodation of extra strengthening parts in vulnerable areas increases its defensive capability.
Accessories: Some other optional accessories like "rounds," "fanciful belts," or "culets" can be added to improve the overall utilisation of the armour. These pieces may not only provide extra protection but also serve some historical aesthetic functions.
A1: Medieval leather armours were relatively effective protection, though not as much as preferred metal ones. They were better than no armour at all. In later Middle Ages and Renaissance, soldiers preferred metal armour for more protection.
A2: Medieval people cared for their leather armour by keeping it clean and oiled. They used beeswax, oils, and fats to condition the leather and make it water-resistant. Repairs were done as needed.
A3: Leather armour offered some protection against arrows. At close range, heavily made leather could stop lower draw weight arrows. However, it was mainly used as supplemental protection with other gear.
A4: It varied, but typically 2-3 layers of leather were glued and riveted together for increased toughness. More layers provided better protection but also more weight and less flexibility.
A5: With extended use, leather armour could weaken from wear, weathering, and loss of conditioning. Eventually seams could fail, rivets rust, and leather become too flexible without proper care.
