So this is a two part question.

1) When are the first records (text or pictorial) of mail sabatons.
and
2) When do plate sabatons appear.

I've done some very basic research,ie trawled manuscript miniatures for evidence. The following image is the earliest I can find for plate sabatons.

http://manuscriptminiatures.com/media/manuscr...219-17.jpg

According to the site the originating manuscript is: BNF Français 24364 Roman de toute chevalerie which is dated 1308-12. The earliest mail sabatons I could find was an image dated to 1150, which due to the suspiciously round date I'm guessing was just dated to the nearest half century or so.

http://manuscriptminiatures.com/4539/11282/

Any input greatly appreciated!

Douglas Strong's survey of effigies might be helpful, http://talbotsfineaccessories.com/armour/effi...lysis.html