Gauntlets, Mittens, and Armor: The History, Technique, and Legacy of Medieval Protection

What protects the hand that holds the fate of battle? A gauntlet is not just metal and leather: it is the barrier between life and death, the extension of a will clinging to the hilt. In this article I will take you from the first leather gloves to the articulated gauntlets of the Renaissance, explaining how they were forged, why they changed, and what they meant for cavalry and historical reenactment.

Why gauntlets made a difference

A combatant’s hands are both tools and vulnerabilities. Protecting them without sacrificing mobility was one of the technical challenges that defined the evolution of armor. A well-designed gauntlet allows for striking a blow, holding a spear, or firing an emerging firearm; a poor gauntlet can doom its wearer. In practice, gauntlets solved three essential needs: protection, dexterity, and adaptation to new weapons.

Through this journey, you will learn to recognize the forms, materials, and constructive solutions that characterize different eras; you will understand why certain solutions (mittens, half-mittens, fingered gauntlets) appear and disappear; and you will see how artisanal technique combines with tactical demands to create pieces that are today replicas and passions.

Historical Evolution of Gauntlets and Mittens

The chronology summarizes the technical transformation and its tactical context: from leather protections to articulated plate gauntlets designed for heavy cavalry and tournaments.

Era	Event
Origins and Early Middle Ages
First uses	The Persians used leather gauntlets, resistant and designed for combat protection.
Early Medieval Period	Predominant use of leather gloves (suede or thick leather), reinforced for warmth and light protection in battle.
11th–12th Centuries	Hand protection evolved into a mail bag (sometimes forming the end of the hauberk sleeve) and combinations of leather with iron pieces.
Late 13th Century
c. 1289	Documentation of mail gauntlets (e.g., in the inventory of the Templar castle of Tortosa).
14th Century — transition to plates
Until c. 1340	Mail mittens were the best protection available: effective against cuts, but insufficient against blunt force blows.
Second half of the 14th century	Advances in metallurgy allowed for molding larger and more complex metal pieces, opening the way for plate gauntlets.
Plate gauntlets	The first plate gauntlets were constructed in the manner of brigandines (strips or plates riveted over leather or textile) to preserve manual mobility.
“Hourglass” gauntlets	Design used from the second half of the 14th century until c. 1430: the hand forged in a single piece and a conical section at the wrist that prevents the gauntlet from slipping off and facilitates movement.
Finger separation	In the 14th century, finger separation was introduced in gauntlets, improving manual dexterity.
Iconographic evidence (1367–1382)	Altarpieces such as that of the Virgin of the Monastery of Sijena (1367–1381) and the Altarpiece of the Resurrection of Zaragoza (1381–1382) show leather gauntlets covered with metal plates (launas).
Late Middle Ages and Renaissance
15th Century
Redesign to mittens	After the finger separation of the 14th century, in the 15th century a variant composed of steel pieces adapted to the divisions of the hand without individual finger separation was developed: gauntlet mittens.
Types of articulated plates	With full plate armor came articulated finger gauntlets, the so-called Milanese mitten (mitón/mittene/mitteno) and Gothic gauntlets, which allowed individual movement and knuckle reinforcement.
Rarity in infantry	By the end of the 15th century, plate gauntlets were uncommon among infantry due to their high cost, need for custom fitting, and complex maintenance of the articulations.
16th Century
Return of separated fingers (c. mid-16th century)	Towards the mid-16th century, finger separation reappeared in gauntlets to allow the knight to fire the pistol and handle firearms with greater dexterity.

Types, design, and materials: how to recognize a gauntlet

The anatomy of a gauntlet speaks of its purpose. There are clear variants: mittens, articulated finger gauntlets, “hourglass” gauntlets, and mixed versions. Materials and technique define quality: tempered steel for protection, leather and textile for base and linings, rivets and leather straps for fastening.

Key elements:

• Shell or cover: shaped and riveted steel plates.
• Articulations: small overlapping plates or hinges that allow finger flexion.
• Lining: internal padding for comfort and impact absorption.
• Fastening: straps and buckles that prevent displacement.

The choice between a mitten or a fingered gauntlet depended on the intended combat. Mittens favored defense against blunt force; articulated fingers offered maneuverability for axes, swords, and later, firearms.

Quick comparison of gauntlet types

Type	Main advantage	Drawback	Typical era
Mitten	Solid protection against blunt force blows	Less manual dexterity	14th–15th centuries
Articulated finger gauntlet	Maximum dexterity and grip	Complex maintenance; vulnerable to direct blows on the articulations	14th–16th centuries
“Hourglass” gauntlet	Good wrist fit; prevents slipping off	Less finger modularity	Late 14th century–c.1430

Articulated Finger Gauntlet

• Main features: Desired by horsemen and swordsmen for its precision.
• Recommended use: Tournaments and combat where dexterity is paramount.

The art of forging gauntlets

Forging a gauntlet requires knowing the anatomy of the hand and the mechanics of the joints. The process begins with templates and molds to adapt each plate. The master blacksmith heats the steel, hammers it, and tempers it to achieve just the right resistance and elasticity. Next, the movable parts are punched and riveted, mounted on a leather base, and the padded lining is added.

Each joint is a decision that balances protection against mobility: too much rigidity immobilizes the hand; too much mobility weakens defense. This technical tension explains why the most sophisticated gauntlets were manufactured in specialized workshops in cities like Nuremberg and Milan.

Gauntlets on the battlefield and in tournaments

In the heat of battle, priorities change: resistance, ease of weapon handling, and the ability to quickly repair the piece. In tournaments, aesthetics and safety were paramount: riveted protections, reinforced knuckles, and sometimes ornamental coverings. For cavalry, the gauntlet must allow holding reins and throwing a spear without losing firmness.

By the end of the 15th century, many armor sets showed mixed solutions: the hand holding the spear might wear a reinforced mitten and the sword hand a fingered gauntlet. This asymmetry is a testament to pragmatic design aimed at specific tasks.

Maintenance and preservation: small actions, big difference

Caring for gauntlets is a mix of artisanal heritage and practical sense: keeping the steel rust-free, greasing the articulations, and checking straps and rivets. Traditional methods—oils and greases—are still valid, but conservation in collections requires avoiding acidic products and controlling humidity.

Action	Typical product	Frequency
Steel cleaning	Dry cloth and mineral oil	After use and every 1–3 months
Joint lubrication	Camellia oil or specific oil	Depending on use, every 3–6 months
Strap review	Leather conditioner treatment	At least annually

Gauntlets and armor: cultural impact and recovery in reenactment

Today, the figure of the gauntlet lives on in films, literature, and historical reenactment. But beyond the spectacle, the interest in functional replicas has driven the study of historical techniques. Modern artisans combine traditional forging with current quality control to create pieces that respect medieval design principles and serve historical gatherings and combat sports.

This continuity between past and present keeps technical knowledge alive: understanding why a gauntlet curves in a certain way or why a launa (plate) is placed in a specific position helps to value both aesthetics and functionality.

Variant and offer: what to look for in a replica

When evaluating replicas or functional pieces, it is advisable to pay attention to:

• Fit: the gauntlet should fit snugly without slipping.
• Material: tempered steel versus soft steels; quality leather for base and straps.
• Finish: clean welds and rivets; well-stitched lining.
• Articulation: that movement exists without excessive play.

These guidelines will help you distinguish a piece intended for display from one intended for recreational use or staged combat.

Collections and featured pieces

Some historical models are particularly representative: Gothic gauntlets with knuckle reinforcements, Milanese mittens, and tournament gauntlets with ornamentation. These models serve as a reference for replicas and restorations.

Clarifying doubts about medieval gauntlets

How did gauntlets evolve over the centuries?

Gauntlets evolved from simple leather gloves used by the Persians in antiquity to complex pieces of armor in the Middle Ages designed to protect the hands, fingers, wrists, and forearms of knights in combat. In the 11th and 12th centuries, they were mail attached to the sleeves of the hauberk; in the 14th century, fingers were separated to improve dexterity; in the 15th century, they adopted the form of mittens with molded steel pieces; and in the 16th century, they were redesigned to allow complete separation of fingers, facilitating the handling of firearms.

Gauntlets went from being simple leather or mail protections to being elaborate segmented metal armors that combined defense and mobility according to the evolving wartime needs and weapon types used.

What materials were used to make medieval gauntlets?

Medieval gauntlets were mainly made with steel plates molded to fit the hand and fingers, combining protection and mobility. In addition to steel, leather was used for straps and fastening bases, and in some cases, iron or other metals for parts or reinforcements. They could also include padded fabric or canvas elements for comfort and fit. Steel was the predominant material due to its strength and ability to articulate into several pieces without losing protection. Straps were generally leather with brass buckles for a secure fit. In some models, flexible protection was achieved with multiple articulated metal plates. This combination provided protection against blows and cuts without sacrificing the manual dexterity necessary in combat.

What was the main function of gauntlets on the battlefield?

The main function of gauntlets on the battlefield was to protect the hands, fingers, and forearms from blows, cuts, and other damage caused by enemy weapons. This was essential to maintain the knight’s fighting ability, as hands were a vulnerable part of the body. Additionally, gauntlets allowed for a good grip and handling of weapons, combining protection with mobility to make combat effective.

What were the differences between gauntlets of the 11th and 14th centuries?

The main differences between 11th and 14th century gauntlets are that in the 11th century, gauntlets were mail and primarily protected the back of the hand, without finger articulation or individualized protection, whereas in the 14th century, they began to be designed with articulated finger plates to also protect the fingers, improving the mobility and defense of each one, although total hand mobility remained limited because the back still did not fully articulate. Additionally, 11th century gauntlets had a wide opening to facilitate wrist movement, and in the 14th century this feature was maintained due to the lack of full articulation, but knuckle reinforcements in the shape of a pyramid were added for more effective blows and protection against cuts.

How did gauntlets affect the maneuverability of knights?

Gauntlets influenced the maneuverability of knights by offering a balance between protection and mobility. They were designed with multiple articulated pieces that allowed sufficient movement of the fingers and hands to grasp and handle weapons with precision, maintaining combat capability during battle. This was achieved through a secure fit with straps and buckles that prevented them from shifting, while protecting against blows and cuts without overly limiting manual dexterity.

Oil type	Main characteristics	Recommended use
Mineral oil	High penetration, does not degrade or attract dirt	Regular protection and maintenance
Camellia oil	Natural, acid-free, non-volatile	Antioxidant protection, lubrication
Lithium grease	Dense, durable, does not evaporate	Long-term storage, protection

Mineral oil

• Main characteristics: High penetration, does not degrade or attract dirt
• Recommended use: Regular protection and maintenance

Mittens, gauntlets, and their role in full armor

Hand protection is integrated with the hauberk, rerebraces, and tassets to form a system. Transitions between elements must avoid gaps that an adversary could exploit. This is why gauntlets were usually connected to chainmail and forearm plates with straps and overlapping flaps.

As armors evolved towards plate systems, gauntlets also learned to “fit” with the upper forearm piece, creating a continuous line of defense that did not sacrifice wrist rotation or finger flexion.

Explore Our Gauntlet Collection

If you are attracted to the idea of having a functional replica, look for pieces that respect historical proportions and technical solutions: overlapping articulations, padded lining, and strong straps. These features ensure that the piece works for reenactment and preservation.

Frequently asked technical questions about gauntlets

Technical knowledge is practical: knowing how to adjust a strap or what lubricant to use on a joint prolongs the life of the piece. Here are answers to common questions among collectors and repairers.

How to adapt a modern gauntlet for stage combat?

Prioritize fit and seam reinforcement. Replace aged straps, add lining if necessary, and check each rivet. Avoid welds that would prevent future repairs. If the piece is historical, document every intervention.

What is the difference between a decorative and a functional mitten?

The functional one has mechanical tolerances, reinforced lining, and materials that withstand the tension of use; the decorative one prioritizes aesthetic finish and may use thinner steels or glued assemblies.

If you wish to delve deeper, consult studies of medieval armament, historical blacksmithing manuals, and museum catalogs that describe pieces by inventory and manufacturing procedure. Understanding the terminology (launa, mitten, artesa, gorjear) facilitates technical reading.

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Remember that practical knowledge and historical perspective complement each other: repairing a joint today may require the same solutions that a 15th-century blacksmith used to ensure his gauntlet performed in combat.

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