Did some 14th c. spaulders have a median ridge? -- myArmoury.com

Stephan M.

Hello everyone,
I have spaulders with a central ridge similar to the ones pictured here:

I'd like to use them at a 14th century tournament in 2 weeks. The marshall is not convinced they are period, so I need to find out if they are. There are many knowledgable people here, so I thought I'd ask: Does anyone know for sure if they are period? Any references? Where should I look?

The thing is, I have seen many other variations with a ridge, but no exact match, and nothing from an authetic source (artwork, effigies):

Thx for any input,
Stephan

Stephan M.

What if I take out all the lames ? Would that be more accurate?

Like in this picture (originally posted by Richard Fay).

M. Eversberg II · Posted: Fri 27 Jun, 2008 4:54 pm Post subject:

I'd say it would work.

M.

Robert MacPherson · Industry Professional

Stephan,

You should ask Doug Strong if he can show you the picture he has of an excavated 14th c spaulder with a crest. He is planning to include it in his book, but I don't know if he can show it off before he has negotiated the rights.

Mac

Randall Moffett · Posted: Fri 27 Jun, 2008 10:57 pm Post subject:

Sadly I know of no spaulders of this style with a medial ridge. I looked through a great deal of effigies, brasses and such but could find nothing like it. Not that said there are a few of the Wisby shoulder pieces and I believe one has a medial ridge but I could not find it on a brief look in the book.

That said if as Mac has replied Doug owns one I think you are good to go. I'd PM Doug. He will at least tell you yes or no even if he cannot post pictures.

RPM

Robert MacPherson · Industry Professional

What Doug has, are pictures of an archaeological specimen from a securely dated fourteenth century context. My recollection, from having seen the pictures, is that it is almost certainly a spaulder, and it does have a crest line.

Mac

Randall Moffett · Posted: Sat 28 Jun, 2008 10:29 pm Post subject:

Thanks Mac I thought it might be one of the many bits of armour Doug has acquired over the years. Doug has a way of finding such items so I hope he sees this andgives us some info on it as it would be the first one I had seen or heard of.

RPM

Stephan M.

Thanks for your replies. I'll PM Doug right away.
I'm excited now, whoohoooo! (Maybe I should use a more historical cry, like 'Montjoie!' :-)

Also, special thx to Randall for taking the time to look it up.

Doug Strong · Posted: Mon 30 Jun, 2008 2:36 am Post subject:

Mack and Randall are borht right. I have documented a spaulder probably dating form the last decade of the 14th century. that has a strong medial crease running ints lenghts and downward through the lames. While this seems to be the exception based on art of the period is was celarly done. The armour was excavated at the castle of Soffumbergo in Udine, Italy. I cannot post photos of it yet because I am negotiating the rights of rpublication. It is very similar to what you have created but there are two major differences. 1. The lames are joined through articulation (sliding rivets). 2. the lowes lame evolves into some sort of extension plate lit the upper plate on a rerebrace.

Stephan M. · Posted: Mon 30 Jun, 2008 9:00 am Post subject:

Yeeessss!
This is fantastic news.
I can use them at next weekend's tournament!
Doug, thanks for taking the time to reply. I came to check the forum as soon as I could this morning hoping to find good news, and I certainly have.

Montjoie!