hello first of all, i am new here and my english is not perfect so i apologize for my mistakes

i am with some friends assembling a reenactment group here in Brazil,

Brazil was colonized from the late 16 century on by the Portuguese, and we didn't got medieval armor and weapons, the age of gunpowder was upon us, so we would like to use the armor that the Spanish, and manly the Portuguese used in Europe, but i am having a hard time looking for good suits and weapons, perhaps if you more experienced guys could help us, with some images, modern replicas, and helping spot the difference in the styles from the Italian, English and Gothic ones (that rule the internet on searches).

Thanks, Flávio Pinho.

This manuscript might give some guidance. The full plate armors common in Europe would only be used among the highest men, with most men relying on brigandines and mail. The zoom feature is very useful.

Leaves from the Genealogy of the Royal Houses of Spain and Portugal
British Library Add MS 12531
1530-1534
http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx...d_MS_12531

Example from folio 7 recto attached. Ear daggers seem quite popular in Spain

Portuguese swords frequently feature a "crab" or "testicle" guard.
http://www.arscives.com/bladesign/discoverieswords.htm

I don't know about sources from Brazil, but the Portuguese Gentleman of Elvas accompanied the entrada of Hernando de Soto in the southeastern United States. You might find some differentiation between Spanish and Portuguese armor in his descriptions.
http://www.floridahistory.com/elvas-1.html

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You may be interested in these photo galleries.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/98015679@N04/sets/72157634584454532/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/98015679@N04/sets/72157634611427266/

Photos taken by Carl Koppeschaar. He has many other sets from museums around the world, by those are specifically museums in Portugal and Spain that I thought would be helpful to you.


I recall we had a thread not to long ago on the subject, it might also have some information valuable to you. A search of "conquistador" in the forum will probably find many more topics.

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=29426


Colonization of Brazil started in the first half of the 16th century, so don't underestimate the continuity with the medieval period just because handheld gunpowder weapons were being adopted. In general, during the 16th century expeditions plate armor and firearms were of course used, but typical "medieval" armaments like lances, mail, brigandine, shields, and crossbows were all still used in large numbers. More men than not seemed to have been armored with mail. Only the wealthier portion of the horsemen, probably the officers and nobility, wore plate, and most of them wore half or three quarters plate. The horsemen fought primarily with lances and swords, and the foot soldiers with sword and shield. Forgive the generalizations but that's what my personal readings have led me to believe.

thanks for the link to the Madrid Armoury. They must have relaxed their no pictures policy. I made a trip there a while back, took a few and was thrown out by a not entirely pleasant woman holding a pistol. And the helmet I really want to see was on loan to Tokyo... a memorable trip!