17TH CENTURY ELBOW GAUNTLETS

SAXON GERMAN c. 1600–1620

A fine pair of matching elbow gauntlets with original black colour and original finger lames. The long, elbow-lenght cuffs with robust roped edge. Saxon arsenal markings have been stamped near the edge.

Originally these gauntlets were fitted with leather gloves sewn on the riveted leather around the cuffs and sewn on fingers. This type of gauntlets were used both by infantry and light cavalry units. Sometimes carried along with infantry armour consisting of burgonet helmet, breast- and backplate and almain collar covering shoulders and upper arms, plus tassets. Cavalry units used sometimes gauntlets as separate armour pieces with breastplate, backplate and helmet. Variations were quite wide depending on the weather and battle conditions.

Gauntlets of this style and originality start to be extremely rare.

• Length 45 cm
• Weight 1680 g