"If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment."
                -- Marcus Aurelius (121 - 180)

Author Topic: Gambesons from MATULS  (Read 22035 times)

Sir Ulrich

  • Squire of the Order
  • Forum Acolyte
  • ***
  • Posts: 1,177
Gambesons from MATULS
« on: 2012-05-11, 04:32:52 »
http://www.matuls.pl/index.php?IDP=1&Lng=en&IDProdukt=46&IDKategoria=4&IDPodkategoria=6
FINALLY I found the exact kind of gambeson I want in linen, only problem is I am unsure if they ship to the USA. Anyone got suggestions on how to write to them cause I dont really have a clue how to write business emails basically >_> Has anyone here ever ordered from them before?

Bernarr

  • Forum Member
  • **
  • Posts: 83
  • New Member
Re: Gambesons from MATULS
« Reply #1 on: 2012-05-11, 08:41:09 »
You don't really need to write a full-on business letter, unless you want to propose a partnership, like you being their US distributor or some such. If you just want to know if they're willing to ship to the US.  A lot of european companies are willing to ship anywhere because you pay for shipping/insurance, so it doesn't really add to their overhead.

Oh, and that is a SWEET gambeson, if you ask them, let me know if they ship here. But if you don't ask, I think I certainly will!
« Last Edit: 2012-05-11, 08:42:10 by Bernarr »

Sir Wolf

  • He Who is Not to be Named
  • Knight of the Order
  • Forum Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 5,389
  • i have too many hats
    • man e faces
Re: Gambesons from MATULS
« Reply #2 on: 2012-05-11, 11:39:21 »
heard good things but never ordered from them. a friend did and got a nice 15thc one

Ian

  • Knight of the Order
  • Forum Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 2,994
Re: Gambesons from MATULS
« Reply #3 on: 2012-05-11, 13:03:27 »
These are their instructions for ordering:
http://www.matuls.pl/index.php?IDP=2&Lng=en

Looks like you will either need to set up a bank transfer or send money by registered mail since they don't accept paypal.

Alternately, these guys are another polish company with a good reputation, sell an almost identical type of gambeson, with a few more options even, and do accept paypal if you're not comfortable doing an international wire transfer.

http://www.gambeson.pl/medieval-on-line-shop/12th-13th-century-gambesons.html
My YouTube Channel - Knyght Errant
My Pinterest

Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum

Sir William

  • Cogito ergo sum
  • Knight of the Order
  • Forum Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 7,154
Re: Gambesons from MATULS
« Reply #4 on: 2012-05-11, 15:30:14 »
Ian, thank you.  I like the look of the Matuls one, but am not interested in going thru the motions of setting up a wire transfer.  PP is so much easier.  I'm torn...because I kind of like the ones from Cap-a-Pie as well.  This one has gloves!  Is that historic?
The Black Knight, Order of the Marshal
'Per Pale Azure and Sable, a Chevron counterchanged fimbriated argent.' 
“Pride makes a man, it drives him, it is the shield wall around his reputation.  Men die, but reputation does not.”

Sir Ulrich

  • Squire of the Order
  • Forum Acolyte
  • ***
  • Posts: 1,177
Re: Gambesons from MATULS
« Reply #5 on: 2012-05-11, 20:07:01 »
I have no clue how to use anything other than paypal. My folks agreed however to help me get one overseas finally. One with gloves would be more convenient for me though, wouldnt have to constantly put on and take off my gloves as they'd be attached to the gambeson, plus it looks like it goes down to the knees which is exactly what I want, I cant find any in the USA minus the GDFB ones that go down to the knees which also have poly fill and are too big for my smaller frame.

Only issue is the other company is more expensive, not sure if I can customize the color too. I want one in black because it doesnt show the dirt or oil as much as white would. I'm not willing to spend more than $250 for a gambeson, because I think it's RIDICULOUS that it costs as much as maille does. Had I known the one I currently have had a poly fill I prolly would not of bought it.

Ian

  • Knight of the Order
  • Forum Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 2,994
Re: Gambesons from MATULS
« Reply #6 on: 2012-05-11, 20:56:18 »
That link I posted is just page 1 of 7 pages worth of gambesons they offer. Page 2 has gambesons with attached gloves.  Not sure about color customization unless you order a totally custom piece. $250 is the lower end for a robust quality gambeson by the way that enables both freedom of movement and holds up to maille.
My YouTube Channel - Knyght Errant
My Pinterest

Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum

Sir Wolf

  • He Who is Not to be Named
  • Knight of the Order
  • Forum Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 5,389
  • i have too many hats
    • man e faces
Re: Gambesons from MATULS
« Reply #7 on: 2012-05-11, 22:03:06 »
ooo i like page 2. i would think getting a thinner gamb so i could wear mail over it

Sir Brian

  • Knight of the Order
  • Forum Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 4,735
  • Felix uxor beatam vitam - Happy Wife Happy Life
    • Order of the Marshal
Re: Gambesons from MATULS
« Reply #8 on: 2012-05-12, 12:42:48 »
Ulrich have you considered revival clothing’s model-T cotton gambeson?  ???
http://www.revivalclothing.com/cottongambeson-2.aspx
Their products are usually cut smaller than their listed size and their Model-T comes only in black and should have the same comfort and maneuverability as their regular linen gambeson. I intend to get a lightweight one to wear under my maille the next time they have another 15% off or more sales. They are at least stateside and they definitely know how to make gambesons that fit well. If their small is still a little too large for you then you could always soak it in boiling water a little while to help it shrink up.
« Last Edit: 2012-05-12, 12:47:26 by Sir Brian »
"Chivalry our Strength, Brotherhood our sword"
Vert, on a Chief wavy Argent a Rose Sable,
a Gryphon Segreant Or

[img width=100 height=100]
<a href="http://s221.photobucket.com/user/Tah908/media/LP_Medals_zpsq7zzdvve.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i221.photobucket.

Ian

  • Knight of the Order
  • Forum Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 2,994
Re: Gambesons from MATULS
« Reply #9 on: 2012-05-12, 14:02:06 »
My YouTube Channel - Knyght Errant
My Pinterest

Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum

Joshua Santana

  • Yeoman of the Order
  • Forum Acolyte
  • **
  • Posts: 1,002
  • Honorare scutum meum, veritas mea gladio
Re: Gambesons from MATULS
« Reply #10 on: 2012-05-12, 18:09:15 »
Quote
I think Sir Ulrich is looking specifically for the Maciejowski Style 13th century gambeson like these:
http://www.gambeson.pl/medieval-on-line-shop/12th-13th-century-gambesons/gambeson-gm13-c2.html
or
http://www.matuls.pl/index.php?IDP=1&Lng=en&IDProdukt=46&IDKategoria=4&IDPodkategoria=6

Yes I agree.
Knight of The Lion Blade

Honora gladium meum, veritas mea, et SpirĂ­tui Sancto.  כדי לכבד המגן שלי, האמת שלי חרבי

Honor My Sword, Truth My Shield.

Sir Ulrich

  • Squire of the Order
  • Forum Acolyte
  • ***
  • Posts: 1,177
Re: Gambesons from MATULS
« Reply #11 on: 2012-05-12, 20:42:43 »
I'd get that if it had gone down to the knees, my issue is finding a gambeson that goes down to the knees so I dont have to wear padded chausses or cuisses. Last thing I need is overheating at the faire, yet today I was the boardwalk in a trenchcoat (in 2 additional layers cause I refuse to wear sunscreen) in the hot sun so I am pretty tolerant, it's just that when it comes to actual fighting I get really tired quickly. Considering it's cheap I may just pick it up if I cant find anything else but the not going down to my knees would be an issue. Also my current gambeson has tube sleeves so tailoring maille for it is impossible. I'm really tired of maciejowski bible stuff being really hard to find in the USA. I dont want too thick a gambeson because it would be too hot. It's hard to find a gambeson thats fit for the 1200s.

Ian

  • Knight of the Order
  • Forum Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 2,994
Re: Gambesons from MATULS
« Reply #12 on: 2012-05-12, 21:35:34 »
I'd get that if it had gone down to the knees, my issue is finding a gambeson that goes down to the knees so I dont have to wear padded chausses or cuisses. Last thing I need is overheating at the faire, yet today I was the boardwalk in a trenchcoat (in 2 additional layers cause I refuse to wear sunscreen) in the hot sun so I am pretty tolerant, it's just that when it comes to actual fighting I get really tired quickly. Considering it's cheap I may just pick it up if I cant find anything else but the not going down to my knees would be an issue. Also my current gambeson has tube sleeves so tailoring maille for it is impossible. I'm really tired of maciejowski bible stuff being really hard to find in the USA. I dont want too thick a gambeson because it would be too hot. It's hard to find a gambeson thats fit for the 1200s.

Availability in the USA is difficult sometimes because it seems that most stuff in the US is catered towards the SCA crowd, not the living history or re-enactor crowd.  SCA are the most numerous consumers of historically-based goods here, so commercially it makes sense that most armories and clothing shops cater to their needs first and foremost (sadly you'll also notice that they don't cater to skinny or athletically built people in the US either when it comes to off-the-rack goods, but that's a whole different US issue ;) ).  Unfortunately, that means a lot of attention to detail when it comes to historical appropriateness for a given time period goes out the window in favor of what works better to do rattan fighting in. 

The truth of the matter is, when it comes to very specific garments or pieces of armor, you either have to go overseas to get them, or be prepared to go the custom built or custom sewn route here, and that translates in to $$$.  I face a similar problem.  None of the go-to production armorers in the US really make anything remotely historically accurate for the late 14th century.  Most of their stuff has compromised historical details for modern practicality or SCA rules compliance, or it's just not shaped correctly to save money.  I either had to go overseas or go custom.  I figured since I was going to have to spend the cash anyway, I might as well go custom and ensure everything I get fits and moves properly.  You may find you want to go the custom route if you end up not being comfortable with the overseas option.

If you want to go overseas though, Matul's, and the others suggested above are some of your best bets.
« Last Edit: 2012-05-13, 15:45:16 by Ian »
My YouTube Channel - Knyght Errant
My Pinterest

Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum

Sir Gerard de Rodes

  • "Chivalry our Strength, Brotherhood our sword"
  • Knight of the Order
  • Forum Acolyte
  • ****
  • Posts: 816
  • Robor meum Deus
    • The Freemen Of Gwent
Re: Gambesons from MATULS
« Reply #13 on: 2012-05-13, 13:12:35 »
I can recomend Matuls. Thier items are good quality and from what I`ve heard thier service is good also.
G.
"War is at first like a beautiful girl with whom all men long to play,but in the end like a repulsive hag whose suitors all weep and ache" Samuel Hanagid (993-1056)

Sir James A

  • Weapons & Armor addict
  • Knight of the Order
  • Forum Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 6,043
Re: Gambesons from MATULS
« Reply #14 on: 2012-05-13, 16:41:17 »
yet today I was the boardwalk in a trenchcoat (in 2 additional layers cause I refuse to wear sunscreen) in the hot sun so I am pretty tolerant

it's just that when it comes to actual fighting I get really tired quickly

I know I'm taking this out of context, but the two statements made me think a bit. If it's not the layers that make you tired, but the fighting, I'm not sure the material of the gambeson will make any difference. It might be an issue of, with all due respect, athletic ability. Can you fight, without a gambeson, for the amount of time you think you'll be able to fight with a linen one? Linen or polyfill (I have both), I find myself getting slower by the minute after maybe 10 or 15 minutes of sparring. The polyfill is, without a doubt, warmer than the linen, but if the issue is exhaustion and not body temperature, the material probably won't make a difference.
Knight, Order of the Marshal
Sable, a chevron between three lions statant Argent