Milanese Gloves, Medieval Hourglass Gloves, Pair, ca. 1370
Approximately 1.6 mm steel, blackened brass and leather
In the late medieval and early modern periods, gloves were an essential part of a knight's armor, protecting the hands and wrists in hand-to-hand combat and during tournament duels.
These late medieval battle gloves (also known as hourglass gloves due to their distinctive hourglass-like shape) are inspired by historical examples said to have been created by a Milanese armourer in the mid to late 14th century (c. 1370) and can be admired at the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence, Italy.
They are made of 1.6 mm thick steel and, like the original pieces, are decorated and reinforced with brass on the back of the hand, around the wrist and the bottom hem. The surface is blackened both on the outside and inside.
The flexible construction of these battle gloves allows ample freedom of movement, and wearing comfort is ensured by the integrated (riveted and stitched) black suede gloves and additional finger pads made of thick brown leather. A brown leather strap on each palm keeps the glove firmly in place during combat.
This articulated, fully wearable pair of steel gloves is ideal for battle reenactment / stage fencing and is perfect for completing the knightly armour of the 14th century European warrior.
Details:
- Material: approx. 1.6 mm mild steel, blackened (slight variations in steel thickness may occur due to hand fabrication), brass plate reinforcements, black suede gloves, brown leather pads and straps
- Universal size (Large)
- External dimensions (HxW - without suede gloves): approx. 24 x 13 cm
- Inner dimensions of gloves: approx. 28 x 11 cm (corresponds approximately to glove size 9)
- Inner wrist circumference: approx. 25 cm
- Inner diameter of wrist: approx. 9 cm
- Weight (pair): approx. 2150 g
Specifications may vary slightly from piece to piece.
Steel used in manufacture is not stainless and may show minor surface staining. We recommend regular maintenance of the plate gloves, for example with Ballistol all-purpose oil, which is ideal for steel care.
