Hello, I'm a long time reader and am just starting to assemble my first kit. I've always loved Transitional Period armors and had a question on late 13th early 14th century body protection, I've settled on an armored surcoat and I was wondering as to the historical validity of wearing a boiled leather breastplate under my surcoat; layered over my mail.

There are hints. My notes are here:

http://dawnofchivalry.wikispaces.com/Cuirie

But for late c13/early c14, I believe they had evolved (or were evolving) into the much better provenenced coat of plates

Thanks for sharing your notes on this subject, Brian! Let us know, if you recreate such a cuirie with glas and iron filings.

Thomas

Thank you very much for that. The process is a little labor intensive (and sounds slightly messy) but since the method is dated 1389 I was gunning for at latest 1345 I am much more likely to go with the tried and true Coat of Plates. Thank you for talking me through what could have been a horrendous mistake.