[Ian S LaSpina]

It seems like the two most commonly mentioned gauntlets of the 14th cenutry are the hourglass and Wisby style gauntlets. I'm looking for a rough (or precise if known) stretch of time regarding the popularity of those two styles of gauntlets.

Is there much known about Wisby gauntlets outside the time period surrounding the battle itself? Were these popular throughout Europe and for how long after 1361 does one suppose they would be seen? Seems like hourglass were more widespread, but Wisby style gauntlets seem awfully practical. Also, were Wisby style gauntlets associated with any certain tier of society?

[Tom King]

they really weren't associated with distinct classes, just different chronological time periods. Wisby gauntlets came earlier in the 14th century than solid metal hour glass gauntlets (used throughout the early half of the 15th century.) A backwater lord may have used wisby style gauntlets and other leather and strip metal armor (and coat of plates and such) with his richer peers in the late 14th century, but despite being of lower economic status, it was not like they were relegated to mercenary men at arms as compared to lords, although archaic armor and piecemeal kits were common among mercenary troops.

[Ian S LaSpina]

any info about specific regional associations of 14th c gauntlets?

[Mackenzie Cosens]

Doug Strong has done a bunch of analysis of 1300 - 1450 effigies including gauntlets:
http://talbotsfineaccessories.com/armour/effi...lysis.html

The following is my reading of his of his pan European chart:

Hourglass gauntlets show up in the 1330's become the dominate form by 1360's and continue to be the dominate form right up until the 1420's.

Wisby style gauntlet are rare but seen in 1300's and continue as out riders right up until the 1400's. There main time of use is the 1340 & 1350 and tail off to hourglass gauntlets in the 1360's and 1370's .

[Ian S LaSpina]