[C. Dylan Visser]

If this has already been posted I apologize, but I am curious about the construction and historical use of turners. Does anyone know when they came into popular use in armour? And for those of you who may have been able to wear harness with turners, is there any substantial difference between gear equipped with them and similar gear that is articulated by other means?

My second question has a bit more to do with their construction: how are they made and how does a properly working turner function mechanically? I've heard a lot of mysticism about them elsewhere and thought this might be a good place to start learning, or at least to start finding some resources.

Thanks,

C

[D. Austin]

Hi Mr Visser,

I’m not 100% sure I know what you mean by the term “turner” but assume that you’re referring to what I would describe as a rotating rerebrace. If so, I may be able to help a little.

These would not have gained popularity until the 16th century as they are not necessary with a floating elbow or a pauldron that is not attached to the rerebrace, but may well have been in use during the late 15th. Others here will be able to answer this with more certainty.

There are two basic methods of construction for these.

The first is simply to have one cylinder fitting into a slightly larger one. There would be horizontal slots cut in the smaller piece and corresponding holes in the larger. A loose fitting rivet would be placed through each hole, which would be able to slide in the slot, providing some degree of turning ability.

The second method involves the metal being shaped to have a flange on one piece and a channel around the edge of the other. The flange simply fits inside the channel allowing it to rotate. These are obviously not simple to make, but well worth the effort in my opinion. I have included a picture below of two arrangements that I am aware of for this type of fitting. I hope the pictures make sense.

I also hope that this was the topic you were talking about!!!

Darren.

[C. Dylan Visser]

Thanks Mr. Austin.

Looks like I have found what I'm looking for here. I even found a little photography on the matter.

Does anyone have any solid dates on when turners would have come in? I am thinking I might make an (over-ambitious?) attempt at making my own armour, but I would like to know where (and when) to start.

-Curtis