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Christian's c. 1300 Harness

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Sir Edward:

Yes, the GDFB padded cuisses are quite serviceable with some modification, and at a great price.

The kit looks great! I've been dying to get my hands on some riveted mail for quite some time. Who was your supplier in this case? Some of the coifs I've looked at haven't been to my liking in the photos on the websites just due to how they hang around the face. Yours seems to sit very nicely. I was going to ask if it was an integrated coif, but since you have a photo without it, I guess that answers my question.

About the swords, it seems there are examples of XIIa and XIIIa that date from the 1250-1300 timeframe, which is why I have an Albion Baron on order. :)

I see that the surcoat's shoulders flare out very wide at the top. Was this a stylistic choice? Most of what I've seen tends to show this being kept narrow (or hidden under the coif's mantle), but granted I haven't looked at too many sources. Are you thinking of adding ailettes?

It all looks really good. Man, you're putting me to shame. :)

Christian Tobler:
Hi Ed,

There are some illustrations showing the upward flare, but this was Jessica's choice in any event.

I'd love to add ailettes - anyone have some good construction techniques for them, or a source of where to buy them?

C

Sir Edward:
Unfortunately so far I haven't seen any sources for ailettes at all, or even a discussion on how to make them. Good Sir Brian here on the forum provided me with some painted plates to use, but one thing I'm uncertain of is how they were attached historically.

I only know of this site discussing this: http://www.liebaart.org/ailett_e.htm (using iron, wood, and linen)

And another nice example: http://www.historiavivens1300.at/biblio/ritter.htm (these look like they might be leather stitched over some sort of plate)

And:

http://www.arador.com/articles/ailette.html

Christian Tobler:
Hi Ed,

Thanks. I strongly agree with the contention that these usually had a defensive purpose to them. While we do have that one citation of them being parchment at a tournament, they usually look pretty sturdy in most iconography.

C

Sir Brian:
Hi Christian,

Very impressive kit! Well done indeed!  ;D

I agree with both you and Ed. IMHO it is very plausible that ailettes served
as a means of defense. As for a source of them I did supply Ed with a pair that
I had sheared out of some scrap 1/8” aluminum to the size he specified. I would
be happy to provide some more to all of our forum members who wish for a pair,
the only thing I wouldn’t be able to do is get them painted as I had done for Ed.
The paint we use is very expensive and very limited in what colors we have available.
~ But just the ailettes are very doable!  ;)

btw, were you thinking of putting a crest, mantle and torse on your great helm?

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