Arms

Arms protection is one of the most complex and elegant parts of a full suit of plate armor. A knight's arms were simultaneously his most vulnerable and most active "weapons" in battle: they were used to strike with a sword, hold a spear, shield, or reins. Armorers of the 15th and 16th centuries transformed arm protection into a true masterpiece of engineering — a lightweight, flexible, and nearly invulnerable system, today called an arm harness.

The anatomy of a knight's "sleeve."

Arm protection consisted of several key elements, perfectly fitted together:

The pauldron — a large plate covering the shoulder and upper arm. It often had additional "wings" or reinforcements to deflect blows from above.

The upper part of the sleeve (rerebrace) — protects the shoulder and biceps.

The elbow guard (couter or elbow cop) — the heart of the elbow protection. It was flexible, hinged, and often had a sharp "nose" or ridge that deflected blows.

The lower part of the sleeve (vambrace) protected the forearm, usually a solid or slightly segmented tube.

Gauntlets were the most complex elements. They consisted of numerous small plates (finger lames) protecting each finger and a wide cuff covering the wrist.

All parts were connected with sliding rivets and leather straps. This allowed the arm to bend almost as freely as without armor.

Evolution: From Chainmail to Perfection.

In the 14th century, arms were protected primarily by chainmail with individual plates. By the early 15th century, solid steel sleeves appeared.

Gothic style (mid-15th century) – graceful, with sharp lines and expressive elbow pads. They emphasized the owner's status and paired perfectly with a Gothic cuirass.

The Maximilian style (early 16th century) featured characteristic deep flute-like grooves, which not only provided decoration but also increased rigidity with a thinner metal.

The gauntlets were particularly beautiful: some examples featured engraving, gilding, and even decorative "claws" on the fingers, reminiscent of animal paws.

In battle: freedom or invulnerability?

Hand protection gave the knight the ability to engage in active combat. He could freely raise his weapon, deliver powerful slashing blows, and even parry attacks. At the same time, the elbow and pauldrons reliably covered the most dangerous areas—the elbow and shoulder joint, which were easily penetrated by a sword or mace.

However, the craftsmen left small "weak points"—the joints—to preserve mobility. An experienced opponent might try to get a dagger or half-hammer into these gaps, so knights tried to keep their arms moving in close combat.

The donning process is a ritual.

The armorer or squire first secured the pauldrons to the cuirass, then put on the upper and lower sleeves, tightening the straps. The gauntlets were donned last. Everything had to fit perfectly: too loose, and the plates would shift; too tight, and the hand would go numb.

Legacy.

Today, knightly hand protection evokes admiration among museum visitors and reenactors. Original examples in the Metropolitan Museum, the Hofburg, and the Royal Armoury demonstrate incredible precision: even after 500–600 years, the plates still move smoothly.

Hand protection is more than just iron. It embodies a compromise between protection and freedom of movement, between strength and beauty. In it, a knight could simultaneously be both an impregnable fortress and a dangerous, swift warrior.

When you see a knight in full armor, pay attention to his arms. These graceful, shining "sleeves" conceal the essence of medieval chivalry: strength, skill, and readiness for battle at any moment.