[Simon G.]

Hi all,

Just wondering about a little something : I'm looking up reproduction armour on various sites, and the thickness for steel elements (helms etc.) always seems to be comprised between 1 and 2 mm. Now I'm wondering what was the (more or less average) thickness for such protections in the Middle Ages ? I suppose it must vary quite widely between various armour pieces and various periods, but, to ask a more precise question : does, for instance, a 1,2mm-thick steel piece offer adequate protection (not counting elements such as the shape of the piece or its position of the body, which I know are fundamental, but are 1,2-1,5mm thick helms or gauntlets worth something for protection against serious blows ?).

Sorry for the quite confused question, I hope you'll be able to give me bits of information nevertheless (in which case, thanks very much )

[Chad Arnow]

It will vary by type of armour and will vary from one part of a piece of armour to another. Helmets were usually thicker in front and on top and less on the sides and back. A breastplate would usually be thicker than a backplate.

See here for more info on thickness: http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=9475

[Simon G.]

Oh, thank you very much ! I didn't think the subject had already been treated. Sorry about that...

How about other pieces, such as gauntlets or bevors ? Do the same observations apply ? Does anyone has anything to say about his sparring experience with, say, 18 ga. armour ?