Leather lamellar armour

Lamellar armour of boiled leather, widely used from the Early Middle Ages until the end of the 11th century.

This armour is one of the most representative pieces of equipment of the Siculo-Normans.

It is made from 4 mm thick vegetable-tanned leather lamellae. The leather is saturated throughout with beeswax to increase its resistance.

Each lace binding the lamellae together is knotted independently of the others, so that if one breaks (after a cutting blow) the armour does not come apart. These laces are of goatskin thongs for maximum strength.

The shoulder straps have adjusting buckles to fit the armour to the wearer’s build.

It fastens at the side so that a man can put it on alone.

It consists of a breastplate that can be completed with spaulders (as here) to protect the shoulders and with a fauld/tassets to protect the thighs. The lamellae are then bent while heated to keep the right shape.

Kits to make this armour yourself are available. Note that they require basic leatherworking skills.