Soldier 15th–16th Century Steel Arm Armor Set – Vambraces, Rerebraces and Couters

Product Description

Equip both arms with the layered plate protection associated with late-medieval and Renaissance men-at-arms. This complete arm-harness set combines forearm vambraces, articulated elbow cops or couters, and upper-arm half-rerebraces to cover the outside of the arm while leaving the joints able to bend. The rounded couters shield the elbow, while reinforced ridges and an inner flange help redirect glancing contact away from the joint.

Each component is handmade from approximately 0.04-inch-thick steel with rolled edges that strengthen the rims and provide a more finished appearance. The plates are joined and secured with strong rivets and adjustable chrome-tanned, full-grain leather straps. Canvas ties at the top of each rerebrace allow the armor to be pointed to a suitable gambeson or arming garment, following a fastening method used on historical European armor.

Once properly adjusted over a padded garment, the straps and arming points help distribute the armor’s weight across the arms and shoulders. The polished version provides the bright appearance of maintained plate armor, while the Epic Dark version creates a weathered, campaign-worn look. This combination of historical styling, wearable construction, and substantial steel plate makes the set well suited to reenactors, LARP fighters, stage performers, and collectors assembling a complete knightly harness.

Features

• Complete arm-harness set: Includes vambraces, couters, and half-rerebraces for coordinated forearm, elbow, and upper-arm coverage.
• Approximately 0.04-inch steel construction: Provides the weight, rigidity, and appearance expected from wearable reproduction plate armor.
• Rounded elbow couters: Shaped elbow cops cover the joint and incorporate reinforced ridges for added structure.
• Inner deflecting flange: The cupped extension on the inside of each elbow helps guard an otherwise exposed area of the joint.
• Rolled plate edges: Reinforced rims improve rigidity and create a cleaner, historically appropriate finish.
• Adjustable leather straps: Three chrome-tanned, full-grain leather straps secure each arm assembly over a gambeson or padded garment.
• Gambeson attachment points: Canvas ties and leather tabs allow the rerebraces to be pointed to an appropriate arming garment.
• Articulated coverage: Separate upper-arm, elbow, and forearm components permit the arm to bend while maintaining overlapping protection.
• Two finish options: Available in bright Polished Steel or darkened Epic Dark.
• Multiple size ranges: Offered in S/M, L/XL, and 2XL/3XL to accommodate different builds.
• Historically inspired design: Based on arm defenses worn as part of European plate harnesses during the 15th and 16th centuries.
• Suitable for several applications: An impressive choice for reenactment, LARP, theatrical costuming, Renaissance fairs, or armor displays.

Size and Weight

Size	Approximate Set Weight
S/M	3.8 lb.
L/XL	4.9 lb.
2XL/3XL	Not provided by manufacturer

Arm circumference and plate-length measurements were not supplied. The armor is intended to be worn over a gambeson or similar padded arming garment.

Specifications

• Product type: Reproduction medieval and Renaissance arm armor
• Armor components: Vambraces, couters/elbow cops, and half-rerebraces
• Weight, S/M: Approximately 3.8 lb.
• Weight, L/XL: Approximately 4.9 lb.
• Weight, 2XL/3XL: Not provided
• Primary material: Approximately 0.04-inch-thick steel
• Strap material: Chrome-tanned full-grain leather
• Additional material: Canvas attachment ties
• Construction: Shaped steel plates joined with rivets, leather straps, and articulated elbow components
• Finish options: Polished Steel or Epic Dark
• Available sizes: S/M, L/XL, and 2XL/3XL
• Collection/universe: Sovereign
• Included accessories: Integrated leather securing straps, buckles, leather attachment tabs, and canvas arming ties
• Gambeson included: No
• Recommended applications: Medieval reenactment, LARP, Renaissance fairs, theatrical use, costume display, and armor collections
• Care: Apply appropriate metal and leather care products regularly; store dry to help prevent corrosion and leather deterioration
• Important use note: Confirm suitability with your reenactment, LARP, HEMA, or combat organization before use, as equipment requirements vary by group

History

During the 14th and 15th centuries, European armorers increasingly replaced or reinforced mail defenses with shaped steel plates. A complete arm harness commonly included a rerebrace for the upper arm, a couter or elbow cop for the joint, and a vambrace for the forearm. These components were connected by straps or articulation and frequently tied—or “pointed”—to an arming doublet or gambeson so that their weight remained properly positioned during movement. By the 15th and 16th centuries, articulated plate arm defenses had become a recognizable part of the harnesses worn by knights, men-at-arms, and other well-equipped soldiers. Their development was driven by advances in armor-making and the need to counter powerful hand weapons, crossbows, and increasingly effective projectile weapons; widespread full plate armor developed later than the earliest European firearms.

The Soldier Arm Armor Set offers a convincing combination of shaped steel plate, leather strapping, articulated joint coverage, and historically inspired arming points. Whether completing a knightly harness, outfitting a late-medieval character, or creating a substantial armor display, these vambraces, rerebraces, and couters provide an authentic silhouette and the solid feel of real steel armor at a practical reproduction price.

Specs will vary slightly from piece to piece. Arms only. Other items not included.

Metal Works Products
Epic Armoury metal works products should be treated with wax or quality acid-free vegetable oil and stored in a dry place. Metal armor with leather parts requires separate maintenance for the leather.

Degreasing and Preparing Your Armour
When you first receive your armor, it may be covered in grease and oil used to protect it during storage and transport. Use a degreasing product or mineral spirits with a dry cloth or paper towels to remove the oil. For chainmail, which is harder to clean, use mineral spirits or another solvent, spraying it on the links or fully submerging the chainmail in a degreasing solution. After removing the oil, thoroughly dry your armor. Strong, warm sunlight is ideal, but a hairdryer or heat gun can also be used. Avoid overheating any leather parts.

Cleaning
Moisture is the enemy of armor and chainmail. If your armor gets wet, dry it thoroughly as soon as possible. After handling, wearing, or every six months of storage or display, wipe all metal surfaces with a clean cloth. Lightly oil the clean surface with a quality acid-free vegetable oil or apply a coating of wax. Allow the wax to dry for a couple of hours, then buff it lightly with a soft cloth.

Rust Prevention and Removal
Store your armor in a dry place and check it regularly for signs of rust. If rust appears, gently rub the affected area with a mildly abrasive pad dipped in wax or quality acid-free vegetable oil. Although Epic Dark products are specially treated to resist rust, they should still be treated with oil and kept in dry storage.

Leather Straps and Fittings
Clean leather parts by removing dirt with a hard brush, then gently rub leather soap with a clean, damp cloth until the leather appears clean. Remove soap residue with a separate damp cloth, then dry the leather with a dry cloth. After cleaning, condition the leather with mink oil, olive oil, or beeswax polish. Apply a small amount of oil or polish with a clean cloth, rubbing in circles, and allow it to soak in before wiping away any excess with a final clean cloth.