[Nathan Quarantillo]

I was wondering, when exactly did the use of plate vambraces and greaves come around? and another point, when were elbow and knee copps developed? and would they have been used together? like in conjunction with a hauberk? and when would the medial ridge have been developed? for an example of what im talking about, merctailors greaves and knee copps.
all help is appreciated! thanks!

[Scott Hrouda]

Dr. Douglas W. Strong has produced some very interesting comparative studies of armour as reflected in effigies.

You might be interested in http://talbotsfineaccessories.com/armour/effigy/All-Effigies.htm and
http://talbotsfineaccessories.com/armour/effi...figies.htm

[Randall Moffett]

Basically you see most, if not all parts of plate armour, minus solid one piece breast and back appear pre 1300. You see the pair of plates, leg armour and arm armour all appear more and more common as the 13th progresses. Check out the inventory of Ralph de Nesle if you'd like specifics.

That said it clearly is related to who you are and how much you are worth. You see the knightly class in the start of the 2nd quarter wearing several different forms of vmabrace and other limb armour in artwork but in literature they appear fairly common. That is one of my main reservations about using artwork for evidence.... it is much harder to tag down time wise as well as be certain what you are seeing is current, where as an inventory is what someone has or had.

RPM

[Luka Borscak]

This is typical armor of around 1300, definitely much more mail than plate, actually of plate there are just knee protections and gauntlets in one case, maybe coat of plates under the surcoat:
http://www.gothiceye.com/popup.asp?Ref=KN019
http://www.gothiceye.com/popup.asp?Ref=KN020
http://www.gothiceye.com/popup.asp?Ref=KN022