The join between the pauldron and the breastplate created an unavoidable gap at the armpit, a genuine vulnerability in an otherwise fully enclosed harness, and the besagew existed specifically to close it. Rather than fixing rigidly in place, besagews were typically mounted on a leather strap or small hinge, allowing them to float and shift position as the wearer raised or lowered the arm rather than binding the joint. Historical examples were frequently decorated, with punched or raised floral and geometric patterns adding a further layer of the ornamentation typical of the wider Gothic style. This reproduction recreates a matched pair in 18-gauge steel.
Besagews, Rondel Armpit Discs (Pair), 18-Gauge Steel
The besagew, also called a rondel, was a small disc of plate fitted at the armpit to cover a gap in coverage that the pauldron alone could not close. Mostly associated with Gothic armour, besagews floated on a leather strap or hinge rather than sitting rigidly fixed, letting them move with the arm instead of restricting it. This pair of 18-gauge steel besagews recreates that free-floating fitting, often decorated with punchwork or a raised pattern on surviving originals.
- Material: 18-gauge steel
- Included: Pair
- Fitting: Floating strap or hinge mount
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