The gauntlets

As I mentioned at the start of this construction project, gauntlets in the 16th. C. were almost always of mitten form, often with a straight upper edge to the cuff - although by the end of the sixteenth century the fingered style of earlier times was beginning to make a re-appearance. The design I have chosen here has a cuff which is considerably shorter than that of the gothic armour and has a degree of curvature to the upper edge. The gauntlets are of mitten form with some detailing of the lower section giving a suggestion of the finger outline.

The plate for the back of the hand is essentially the same as was made in the previous project but with a straight, rather than scalloped, upper edge. Fig. 89 shows the back plate with the lame that will attach it to the pivot plate at the wrist.

Fig. 89

In Fig. 90 the second lame, which will articulate with the cuff, is attached to the pivot plate.

Fig. 90

Instead of the upper edge of the back plate being scalloped and shaped over the knuckles, a separate piece is placed here to increase flexibility and this is repeated in the attachment of the next section. Figs. 91 & 92 show the progress of the gauntlet construction down to just before the shaped finger section.

Fig. 91Fig. 92

The finger section is cut out and fluted on the outer aspect to define the line of the fingers ( Fig. 93 ), before imparting their shape with hammer work to the inside. This is carried out using the ball-ended hammer against the lead block ( Fig. 94 ).

Fig. 93Fig. 94

Fig. 95 shows the finished piece prior to drilling the rivet holes.

Fig. 95

Final assembly, together with the straps that will hold them in place at the wrist - and decorative brass rivets along the cuff edge, completes the gauntlets ( Figs. 96 & 97 ).

Fig. 96Fig. 97

The armour is now finished and all that remains to do is paint and dress the mannequin ready to display it.

Back to start of project.