The hourglass gauntlet marks one of the earliest mature stages in the development of plate hand armour, appearing as armourers moved from simple mail gloves toward individually shaped steel components. The style takes its modern name from the shape of the cuff, narrowing sharply in around the wrist before flaring outward over the lower forearm, a design that gave real wrist mobility while offering broad coverage over the lower forearm. This reproduction is worked in 16-gauge steel, recreating that classic medieval form as a matched pair.
Hourglass Gauntlets, 16-Gauge, Pair
Hourglass gauntlets take their name from their distinctive shape: a cuff that narrows sharply at the wrist before flaring open toward the forearm, giving each gauntlet a silhouette like the sand-timer it’s named for. This 16-gauge steel version offers solid, durable construction suited to regular re-enactment use. First appearing as mail gloves gave way to shaped steel plates, this style remained popular for more than fifty years across the medieval period.
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Hourglass gauntlets take their name from their distinctive shape: a cuff that narrows sharply at the wrist before flaring open toward the forearm, giving each gauntlet a silhouette like the sand-timer it’s named for. This 16-gauge steel version offers a heavier, more robust build than lighter alternatives, suited to wearers prioritising durability. First appearing as mail gloves gave way to shaped steel plates through the 14th century, this style remained popular for more than fifty years.
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Mitten Gauntlets, Pair
SKU: AH6029Mitten-style gauntlets enclose all four fingers together within a single armoured compartment, trading individual finger movement for maximum protection and impact resistance. This design leaves the interior free enough for genuine weapon control while raised knuckles double as a striking surface for unarmed fighting. Historically popular among infantry using polearms and heavy weapons, this pair can also be worn over a thick leather glove for extra comfort.
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Chainmail Gauntlets, Pair
SKU: AH6175/A054Before plate hand armour developed, mail gloves offered the earliest widespread form of dedicated hand protection, extending the coverage of a mail hauberk down over the fingers. Woven from interlinked metal rings, mail gauntlets flexed naturally with the hand, offering good defence against cuts while sacrificing some protection against crushing blows compared to solid plate. This reproduction recreates that early mail hand protection as a matched pair, suited to an early-period or lightly armoured impression.
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Leather Gauntlets, Suede
SKU: AH6172Not every medieval fighter or worker relied on plate hand protection — sturdy leather gloves offered a simpler, lighter alternative for a wide range of everyday and combat uses. Made from high-quality suede, these gloves are built for durability, standing up to repeated wear while remaining comfortable enough for extended use. They suit wearers building a lightly armoured impression, or looking for practical hand protection to wear underneath a full metal gauntlet.
