Vambraces (
French: ''avant-bras'', sometimes known as ''lower cannons'' in the Middle Ages) or forearm guards are ''tubular'' or ''gutter'' defences for the forearm worn as part of a suit of
plate armour
Plate armour is a historical type of personal body armour made from bronze, iron, or steel plates, culminating in the iconic suit of armour entirely encasing the wearer. Full plate steel armour developed in Europe during the Late Middle Ages, es ...
that were often connected to
gauntlets. Vambraces may be worn with or without separate ''
couters'' in a full suit of
medieval armour. The term originates in the early 14th century. They were made from either
boiled leather or steel. Leather vambraces were sometimes reinforced with longitudinal strips of hardened hide or metal, creating
splinted armour.
Sometimes vambraces were decorated with extravagant designs as was customary for nobles during the
late middle ages
The late Middle Ages or late medieval period was the Periodization, period of History of Europe, European history lasting from 1300 to 1500 AD. The late Middle Ages followed the High Middle Ages and preceded the onset of the early modern period ( ...
.
References
See also
*
Bracer
A bracer (or arm-guard) is a strap or sheath, commonly made of leather, stone or plastic, that covers the ventral (inside) surface of an archer's bow-holding arm. It protects the archer's forearm against injury by accidental whipping from th ...
, armguard used by archers
*
Manica, armguard of the ancient Romans
External links
The Armour Archiveexamples and construction information for replica vambraces
Metal vambrace with integrated elbow and upper arm protection(replica)
Medieval armour
Western plate armour
History of clothing (Western fashion)
Armwear
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