14th Century "Bargello" Finger Gauntlets
Carburized and tempered!
Now Available and In Stock!
A bit more refined than our "cats-paw" gauntlets, the "Bargello" includes a more flared cuff, arched embossing over the back of the hand, and pyramidal finger gatlings. While not custom, the M-L size fits most men.
Available with steel or brass finger tips and gatlings, the gauntlet can also be customized with a brass bracelet, brass trim, and cuff adornment. Cast furniture is also available.
The unique finger design, which I detailed in Techniques of Medieval Armour Reproduction, protects the fingers with overlapping plates that spread out the impact. Under this is quality 5oz leather, and under this, two layers of felt. No other maker that I'm aware of uses the felt, which is critical for the level of protection offered.
No other style of gauntlet offers such a blend of flexibility and protection. .
Watch the site for other versions, as we have a Wisby gauntlet in production and the lower price-point "cats-paw" is already available.
Common fingered gauntlet questions
The ones I want are not in stock. How long will it take to get them in? We have a firm development channel for this style and custom gauntlets are currently running about 8-12 weeks, or sometimes less. Rush orders are possible, as well.
Can I get them with the brass adornment? Yes!
I have unsual-shaped hands. Can I custom order? Yes, although this becomes a completely custom pair, instead of the constructed version offered here. Pricing begins at about $995 in hardened and tempered spring steel.
Are they legal in my group?: You have to check with your local safety officer. For SCA combatants, for example, they are equivalent in protection to a hockey glove, and are allowed in many kingdoms. In most LARPS, WMA groups and re-enactment societies it is no difficulty whatsoever.
Are they safe if the knuckles don't "bottom out" on the baton?: That depends upon what you're fighting with. But I do not agree that bottoming out is safer--it actually forces the finger apart, and reduces grip on the weapon, and thus control. Additionally, the layer of felt differentiates them from other versions, bringing them under the "padded gauntlet" rule.
We do have "overlapping" gatlings and tips in manufacture for this style if you really prefer the weapon contact.
These are great, but do you have a mitten style? Actually, we do have two mitten gauntlet styles either available or in development. One is a three-piece Italian mitten with an hourglass cuff, and the other is an hourglass style with an hybrid but effective mitten-style defense for the fingers. These are available now in M-L size and will be available in a larger size in the Fall of 2010. Watch for the three-piece Italian style in late Spring, 2011.
I'm early 15th century. Are they correct for me? There are examples as late as the middle 15th century for gauntlets like these being depicted in artwork. See in particular the Rout of San Romano by Paolo Uccello. Certainly, the mitten-style is more common, but outlying examples seem to have persisted to at least mid-century. Probably, because they work so well!
Note that the designers, Revival and Revival Martial Arts cannot warrant the safety of our equipment for any particular activity as we cannot know the uses to which our items may be put. Check with your local safety officer regarding specifics for the activity you are pursuing.