How early did breastplate gussets appear? I know they were present in the late 15th century, but the idea seems to have been conceived quite a bit earlier - indeed, the Churburg 13 breastplate is built on just such a premise, with the lateral plates articulating on leathers and giving better movement and coverage.

The reason I ask is I've got a BP that is too wide (pinches) and I would cut it down and add gussets on leathers to increase coverage without sacrificing mobility for late 14th century use. The whole thing'll be covered in velvet, to pretty it up. Any thoughts on the likelihood of this arrangement?

Thanks, as always.

Jason

Jason,

Show us a picture of what the breastplate looks like on you.

In my experience, most breasts which are thought to be too wide, are really just fitting too closely at the upper chest.

Here is my way of measuring how wide a person's breastplate should be-
hold your arms straight forward in front of you-
cross your forearms , one on top of the other, so that your elbows line up with your knuckles-
have someone measure the distance between your upper arms, close to your chest-

The resulting measurement is the width of a rigid breastplate. If it were to be a breast with gussets, this would be the width, with the gussets compressed.

Mac

Jason,

The usual problem is that the breastplate is dished too much, especially in the upper part. This makes it bear against your chest along its edges, preventing free play of your arms.

Cutting the breastplate narrower sometimes alleviates the problem, but more often than not it simply moves the bruises closer together. If you find that to be the case, try putting some padding in the breast, just under the neck opening. This will move the arm hole edges out of contact with your chest.

If I can be of further assistance to you do not hesitate to ask.

Mac

I understand! Thank you so much for your help, and to Allen Senefelder as well who PM'd me with a few tips.

It really is a fine art...

Regards,
Jason