Gauntlet
Our meticulously crafted Gauntlets are made of 20 gauge steel. They are the epitome of hand and wrist protection inspired by centuries of European combat and armor design. These iconic gloves, made from hardened leather or metal plates, were the preferred choice for European warriors between the early 14th and 19th centuries.
The evolution of gauntlets began in the 11th century when European soldiers and knights relied on chain mail for protection. As armor technology advanced in the 12th century, chain mail shirts with longer, narrower sleeves emerged, incorporating chain mail mittens for added hand protection. Although these mittens guarded against cuts and lacerations, they were unable to withstand crushing blows.
In the early 14th century, armorers revolutionized personal defense by designing fully articulated plate armor, offering superior protection from heavy impacts. This innovation led to the development of gauntlets, expertly crafted from overlapping steel plates to provide unparalleled hand protection. Gauntlets came in two distinct styles: the fingerless "mitten" version, and the fully fingered "glove" variant, which offered greater dexterity at the cost of some comfort in colder conditions.
Our Gauntlets embody the ingenuity and skill of historical armorers, delivering authentic and durable hand protection. Whether you're a historical reenactor, a collector, or an enthusiast, these gauntlets offer the perfect blend of form, function, and craftsmanship, allowing you to immerse yourself in a storied past of combat and bravery.