Thickness Mapping of Body Armour: a Comparative Study of Eight Breastplates from the National Museum of Slovenia

Lazar, Tomaž; Kraner, Jakob

doi:0860-0007

Skip to main menu
Skip to search engine
Skip to content
Skip to footer

Planned object

Title: Thickness Mapping of Body Armour: a Comparative Study of Eight Breastplates from the National Museum of Slovenia

Abstract:

There is relatively little information available on the weight and thickness of historical plate armour. The purpose of the present study is to present a detailed analysis of eight torso defences from the National Museum of Slovenia dating from the early 16th to the mid-19th century. Each artefact has been measured in detail and its thickness mapping is presented in graphical diagrams. Furthermore, 3D modelling has been used experimentally to estimate the height of individuals expected to wear the armour. The results illustrate important ideas of armour design during the Middle Ages and the early Modern Period, especially with regard to the increasing effectiveness of firearms.

References:

Bele B. 2012. Antropometrična analiza študentov v obdobju 1980–2009 / Anthropometrical Analysis of Students in the Period From 1980–2009. BA Thesis. Ljubljana.
Blair C. 1958. European Armour circa 1066 to circa 1770. London.
Boeheim W. 1895. Nürnberger Waffenschmiede und ihre Werke in den Kaiserlichen und in anderen Sammlungen. “Jahrbuch der kunsthistorischen Sammlungen des allerhöchsten Kaiserhauses” 16, 364-399.
Cardoso H. 2008. Secular Changes in Body Height and Weight of Portuguese Boys Over One Century. “American Journal of Human Biology” 20, 270-277.
Chant C. 1996. Illustrated History of Small Arms. Canterbury.
Dolleczek A. 1970. Monographie der k.u.k. österr-ung. Blanken und Handfeuer-Waffen. Graz.
Düriegl G., Mikula R., Sostek M. 1977. Das Wiener Bürgerliche Zeughaus. Rüstungen und Waffen aus 5 Jahrhunderten. Katalog zur Ausstellung im Schloß Schallaburg bei Melk. Wien.
Ffoulkes C. J. 1912. The Armourer and His Craft from the XI th to the XVI th Century. London.
Habsburg-Lothringen B. 2015. Landeszeughaus. Die historische Waffenkammer. Graz.
Koepke N., Baten J. 2006. Agricultural Specialization and Height in Ancient and Medieval Europe. “Explorations in Economic History” 25, 127-146.
Kraner J. 2016. Arheometalurške raziskave zgodnjenovoveškega oklepa. BA Thesis. Ljubljana.
Kraner J., Lazar T., Zorc B., Fajfar P., Knap M. 2019. Archaeometallurgical Characterization of a 16th Century Suit of Armour Made by Valentin Siebenbürger. “Journal of Cultural Heritage” 39, 49-56.
Krenn P. 1987. Harnisch und Helm. Graz.
Krenn P. 1989. Von alten Handfeuerwaffen. Entwicklung, Technik, Leistung. Graz.
Lazar T. 2013. An Armour by Valentin Siebenbürger in the National Museum of Slovenia. “The Journal of the Arms & Armour Society” 21 (2), 37-48.
Lazar T., Nemeček N. 2013. Interdisciplinary Research of Museum Objects. Practical Experience with Various Analytical Methods. “RMZ - Materials and Geoenvironment” 60 (4), 249-261.
Lazar T. 2018. A Steel Skin Hammered out by Master Armourers. In: G. Oitzl (ed.), The Past under a Microscope. Scientific Analyses in Museums. Ljubljana, 103-108.
Leben-Seljak P. 2011. Antropološka analiza / Anthropological analysis. In: S. Ciglenečki, Z. Modrijan, T. Milavec, Poznoantična utrjena naselbina Tonovcov grad pri Kobaridu. Naselbinski ostanki in interpretacija / Late Antique Fortified Settlement Tonovcov Grad near Kobarid. Settlement Remains and Interpretation. Opera Instituti Archaeologici Sloveniae 23. Ljubljana, 280-302.
Leutenegger M. 2005. Zwischen Politik und Krieg. Wehrhafte Eidgenossen im 16. Jahrhundert. Coburg, Solothurn.
Mann J. 1962. Wallace Collection Catalogues. European Arms and Armour 1. Armour. London.
Pavlović D. 1999. The Austrian Army 1836-66 2. Cavalry. Oxford.
Seaton A. 1973. The Austro-Hungarian Army of the Napoleonic Wars. Reading.
Štefančič M. 2008. Razvoj raziskav fizične antropologije v Sloveniji / Review of Research Work of Physical Anthropology in Slovenia. “Acta Biologica Slovenica” 51 (2), 21-33.
Thürheim A. 1866. Die Reiter-Regimenter der k. k. österreichischen Armee 1. Die Kürassiere und Dragoner. Wien.
Williams A. 2003. The Knight and the Blast Furnace. Leiden, Boston.
Williams A., Edge D., Atkins T. 2006. Bullet Dents – “Proof Marks” or Battle Damage. “Gladius” 26, 175-209.
Williams A., de Reuck A. 1995. The Royal Armoury at Greenwich 1515-1649. A History of Its Technology. Royal Armouries Monograph. Leeds.