17th Century English Civil War Pikemans Armour
Hand Made In 18g Steel ================================================= Hand Crafted In The UK 17th Century English Civil War Pikemans Armour
Hand Made In 18g Steel Consisting of breast and back plate and tassets, this has been totaly hand made in the traditional way. Dished on an old oak stump, raised and plannished over a doming stake and anvil. Featuring armoured straps made from 3mm bridle quality leather and solid 1/4" rivets, the waist belt is double riveted and has a heavy duty solid brass buckle. Fastens with hooks and the fauld or skirt is raised out of one piece, not welded on like a lot of cheap factory made armour is today. Made with adjustments to fit a 42-48" chest with a height around 6ft although there is a good degree of adjustability.
Perfect for 17th century faires and reenactments. This piece has excellent detail and a very high level of historical accuracy.
The tassets are detachable and the whole piece sits very comfortably, the weight distibuted all round and supported by the natural waist.
All edges are rolled for strength and safety and the neckline and under arms are flaired away from the body. Matte finished for a greyer colour, will tarnish to a brown veteran-campaign look quickly with use unless kept oiled/greased etc. The proportions of this are are perfect for the human body, unlike most cheap foreign decorative armour available from India or Spain. This is a quality British made work of art, and a credit to history. Built from blood, sweat and tears and most importantly, love. This authentic English Civil War Pikemans Armour is hand made, a totally unique and breathtaking piece, and perfect for re-enactment. Key Features Historically accurate
Perfect for re-enactment
High Quality Construction
Made using traditional methods Measurements Fits Chest 42"-48"+ By the outbreak of the English Civil Wars in 1642 the last of the great European Armour manufacturers were dwindling into the setting sun. New innovations in the accuracy and reliability of firearms, new tactics and the increased length of campaigns in the field had led to a decline in the use of heavy armour. However the civil war did witness the last use of heavy armour with the cavalry cuirassier. The Cuirassier was armed with a heavy sword, pistols and either a poleaxe or warhammer. They took there protection from a set of heavy steel articulated armour called the cuirass which gave protection from the knees up to the head with a large closed face helmet. The role of the heavy cavalry was as shock troops to crash through enemy lines, raining havoc down on the infantry from the protection of there heavy armour. However more often than not these troops would find there mounts worn out after one big charge and the expense and rarity of this type of armour along with the inability to protect the wearer from the latest firearms led to its fast decline during the 1640's. The last real regiment to be fully equipped for this role were Sir Arthur Haselriggs lobsters who met there end at the battle of Roundway Down in 1643. The lighter cavalry or Harquebusier would ideally be equipped with a back and brest-plate, a helmet normal of the famous lobster pot fashion or a burgonet, a steel or leather gauntlet called a bridle arm (to protect your left arm holding the reigns) and possible a thick leather coat called a Buff Coat made from buffalo hide, which was so think it could turn a sword blow. He was armed with pistols and a short barreled flintlock or wheellock carbine and sword. However in reality due to shortages and costs a mish mash of armour would have been seen on troopers from both sides, sometimes with old mediaeval pieces bastardized to fit in with the currant styles.