Poleyn - Knee Plate Armour
Make your own 14th or 15th century brigandine leg harness with this pair of poleyn plate knee armour. Forged from 16 gauge steel this knee armour can be worn with or without greaves or cuisses. It is ideal for making leg brigandine armour as this harness covers the upper shin and lower thigh. A brigandine leg harness constructed from this style of poleyn can be seen in the oil panel of the Meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek by Sint-Pieterskerk, Leuven, estimated to have been painted between 1464 and 1467.
Plate protection of the elbow and knees first appears in the late 13th century to provide extra protection to venerable joints that could not easily be protected by heavy padding which was restrictive to movement or mail which did not protect against blunt force trauma. This poleyn set is most appropriate for a late 14th to late 15th century re-enactment, LARP, living history or SCA persona.
The plates are designed to articulate and provide better movement. The poleyns have three forged steel buckles and adjustable leather straps to better fit the wearer. The buckles and straps are securely rivetted for durability and the interior of the item is blackened to improve corrosion resistance.
Other 14th, 15th and 16th century armour is also available.
