Spaulder

A set of spaulders

A modern replica spaulder

Spaulders are armoured plates worn on the upper arms and shoulders in a suit of plate armour.

Description

Developed during the Middle Ages, the use of spaulders declined during the Renaissance along with the use of plate armour.

Unlike pauldrons, spaulders do not cover the arm holes when worn with a cuirass. Instead, the gaps may be covered by besagews or simply left bare, exposing the mail beneath.

Modern use

Though the use of spaulders has declined, various craftsmen and machine shops still exist which can craft a pair of spaulders for use in a museum or in simulated combat during reenactments.

Additionally, the Iraq War saw the introduction of a modern day version of the spaulder, in the form of the "Deltoid Axillary Protector" add-on to the Interceptor body armor worn by US soldiers.

External links

• Arador Armour Library guide to creating replica spaulders