I've been following your progress Felix, and there is very little constructive I can say. Its just that good. Any problems you've spotted yourself and fixed (like the maille not fitting under the breastplate etc.) Be encouraged and please make this the first of many beautiful harnesses.

Thanks for sharing your gorgeous project with us.

Thanks for the kind comments.

Well there are of course several things I learned through this project.

First, you need very good fitting and tight foundation garments. My first Matuls Pourpoint was much too wide nearly everywhere except the much too tight arms. I had to put in some money to make it work. It was still not good enough. Now I have the combination of a sleeveless vest/pourpoint, that is very tight around the torso, supporting hose and legs. The new arming cotte/doublet/jacket (whatever one should call this) is differentially padded and rather stiff (will soften up through use of course), although the padding is between 0.5-1cm, I would still go a little bit thinner mabe around the waist next time. But it is really good fitting, after being sent the garments for the first time it was too wide around the waist. Luckily the guys of Medieval-Market were on an event not too far away from me, so I drove to them and let them take measurements for modifications. They took the pieces to their shop and after some weeks, I got those pieces back now perfectly fitting my trunk.

Second, take your time finding a good armourer, that has a good eye for correct forms and lines, but also knows about fitting. I am still not totally happy with the fit of the gauntlets (will have to sew in better fitting gloves) and the arm harness. You´d get the best results when you can visit the armourer yourself or he takes his time fitting things on a similar sized person. Jiri doesn´t seem to be too far off regarding my dimensions, so the breast/fauld and helmet are quite good fitting. The tight waist on the fauld works like a strong belt keeping up the maile.

Third, when buying maile, don´t buy round rivetted stuff. In mine the rivetting has to much recess of the rivets on one side. And maybe I should have looked for maile with smaller ring diameter.

So, overall I am happy with the harness so far. But as I am very critical with things, I can always find things to improve.

Unfortunately, this will be my only real harness. So don´t wait for something else with similar effort in time and money ;), the only next thing will be a mid 14th cent footman kit, that is on half the way.

Nice work Felix R.!

This is my kit-in-progress. It's about 50/50 purchased components vs. handmade components. I'm trying to represent the mid to late 14th century as best I can, while still being safe for SCA combat. I've replaced every component over the last 10-12 years as time, money and period knowledge allow.

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Current Kit

Impressive. The only thing that don't appeal to me is the coif over the pauldrons. It's a little...messy, I think, like a formal dress with the shirt rumpled.

Felix,

Your kit just looks *magnificent*!

Felix R. wrote:

Second, take your time finding a good armourer, that has a good eye for correct forms and lines, but also knows about fitting. I am still not totally happy with the fit of the gauntlets (will have to sew in better fitting gloves) and the arm harness. You´d get the best results when you can visit the armourer yourself or he takes his time fitting things on a similar sized person. Jiri doesn´t seem to be too far off regarding my dimensions, so the breast/fauld and helmet are quite good fitting. The tight waist on the fauld works like a strong belt keeping up the maile.

Completely agreed, and I'm anxiously awaiting the legs Jiri is making for me right now! ;)

Quote:

Unfortunately, this will be my only real harness. So don´t wait for something else with similar effort in time and money ;), the only next thing will be a mid 14th cent footman kit, that is on half the way.

That's OK, it's been a lot of fun watching this one come together!

Greg

Hi there!

I am starting to collect a late 15th century armor for myself, it's far from complete, but soon...

Here is my breastplate and gauntlets made by Máté Bánsághi.

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Looks like you're headed in a solid direction so far! I love the two pieces you've got. It should look great when it's finally assembled.

I seem to have an attention problem ;)


Italian Alpino 1942



22nd Va Infantry 1863



Swiss Bicycle Infantry 1944



Roman Auxiliary 1st Century AD



Roman Legionary 1st Century AD



German Infantry 1918



Colonial Militia 1780



Generic 13th Century





Is that enough? :wink:

Te là ul vecio Paul!



(trad: "Oh, there the old Paul!" but "vecio" is a particular name for the alpin veterans)

A good choice the Italian Alpino. Any particular motive?

Paul,

I'm amazed at the quality and variety of your kits! I thought assembling a kit that covers 25 years (1350 to 1375) was time consuming and expensive. I can't imagine how much time and money you have invested! The quality and attention to detail really shine through.

I'm especially taken with the colonial militia photograph as you stand watch on the palisade with fresh snow falling. What a great photo! :)

Paul,
That's a wonderful assembly of outfits you've got. You're clearly very devoted to your interests. I must note that the pictures themselves are wonderful as well. Of course I can appreciate a kit whether previewed in a castle or a parking lot, but it's always great when the image itself pulls you into the period you attempt to recreate. The picture with you on the wall in the snow in particular stands out, but all of the other pictures tweaked just enough to give both a clear view of your regalia and yet also conveying a sense of period nostalgia... it's a great combo. Did you have a professional photographer take any of these?

Paul,

I assure you that such a severe case of ADD is nothing to be ashamed of, and is probably something of which the rest of us are either jealous, or guilty of ourselves ;) Your outfits rock man, keep em comin' !

Thanks for all of the comments! I tend to have many varied interests when it comes to history. I am sure that shows with all of these kits. I am cursed with re-enacting ADD and the ability to make most of my kits. This is the only reason I can afford to have so many of them. If I cannot make it, typically I will make something and trade/sale it for what I need.

The only photo that was taken by a proffesional is the Colonial Militia photo of my friend and I on the fort palisade. We were hanging out at the fort that day all alone, when a photographer showed up just to take photos of the fort. The others were mostly taken by my wonderful wife who has a good eye for photos.

i see your axis and blow you away ;)

nice wwII kits. hers some kits ive been meaning to show, but only just now can because i finally got a decent computer. they are not much, but as i am 15, this is as far as my (small) budget has taken me. however, i im saving up for a re-enactment quality Landsknecht kit. anyway, here goes.

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