0

(the belt or strap locate at the middle side of the breastplate or the plackart)

Won't the belt become easy target to be cut or to be worn out? Making the armor prone to break up or unable to cover properly because it's getting loose during battle?

examples (click to enlarge):

image from pinterest

enter image description here enter image description here enter image description here

image from https://steel-mastery.com/milan-style-full-plate-armour-1450-1485-years.html enter image description here

Improve this question
3
  • 5
    Please cite the source of the photos so that we are not accused of plagiarism.
    – MCW ♦
    Commented Jul 8, 2019 at 9:43
  • 1
    @mcw I think as these are images, and not ones claime dto be created by the OP, only copyright would apply, and "third parties are not competent to judge whether an image has been used by permission" so should only be flagged for takedown by the image owners.
    – AncientSwordRage
    Commented Nov 25, 2021 at 21:17
  • I'll leave it to the lawyers to determine if you are on solid legal ground. As a historian, citations are vital.
    – MCW ♦
    Commented Nov 26, 2021 at 13:18

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
2

Assuming you're talking about the diagonal belt across the hips, that is to support the sword; it is not critical to the integrity of the armor.

As to the other straps, as @Daniel says,

I think he's referring to the straps on the lower edge that hold the tassets in place and the ones front and back that hold the plackart and lower back piece. Given that the tasset straps were still being used in the 17th century on half armour there doesn't seem to have been much of an issue with these straps being cut. As for wear, these armours were maintained so straps starting to wear would be replaced before they could fail.

Improve this answer
0
1

While the exposed belt holding the placard in position might be destroyed by the opponent, you have to ask yourself: is it worth it?

Destroying the belt will have some effect on the knight, since the placard will not sit in its proper place anymore. However, I doubt that the knight will be severly hampered. Reenactors with a suit of armour of this style could easily test this.

On the other hand, if you attack the belt, you are not attacking the knight. This opens you to counter-attack.

So, my guess it that the belt is a low-gain, high-risk option for the attacker. Thus, there is little need for the armourer to protect the belt in any way.

Here's a demonstration from a YouTuber, who focusses on many topics medieval on his italian armour:

He undoes the front strap holding the plackard to the breastplate. However, first there is another strap at the back, and second, there's the wearers body in the way. So, simply cutting the front strap will not lead to the plackard simply falling away if there is more than one attachment.

Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    Even with an unresisting opponent, I'd think severing that belt with an infantry weapon of the time would be tricky and take a while.
    – T.E.D. ♦
    Commented May 5, 2021 at 16:31
  • the thing is the belt or strap in the plackart is positioned in the middle, where the blow is likely land before it slide out of the plate, the chance it likely being hit by arrows or bolts multiple times is high to worn it out during combat too.
    – Li Jun
    Commented Sep 3, 2021 at 3:34

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.