Brigandines & scale armor

Viking leather armor and medieval leather armor: lamellar armor and scale armor

In the Vendel period, the Germanic ancestors of the Vikings wore scale armor and lamellar armor. It can be assumed that the Vikings also continued to wear these types of armor, although originals have not been found as leather was often reused. Scale armor was worn over the chain mail as a second layer of protection against the dane ax or the shield wall. Steel scale armor was worn until the Middle Ages, but the coat of plates and brigandine became much more popular in the meantime.

Brigandine armor

Already in the 13th century knights regularly wore a coat of plates over their hauberk. Cuirasses had not yet been invented and instead they used a leather surcoat with metal plates on the inside. The coat of plates is regularly depicted on medieval knight tombs. The brigandine was developed in the 15th century. Brigandines were made from broken armor parts and steel plates that were found on the battlefield. Brigandines were often worn over hauberks and used as plate armor to protect against hard blows and impacts. Perhaps the most famous brigandine that has been excavated is the Visby brigandine. Brigandines were worn by infantrymen.

Viking scale armor & leather lamellar armor

In ancient times warriors used leather armor and helmets to protect the body. The ancient Greeks often combined linen and leather to make armor such as the Linothorax. The Roman Germanic Auxiliae also used leather armor such as the subarmalis. The Franks and Byzantines also wore leather armor. As a result, we can conclude that the Vikings also used leather armor, although there are no archaeological sources for this assumption.

Maintenance of leather Viking and medieval armor

We recommend Ballistol spray and beeswax for leather armor. Ballistol is suitable for maintenance of wood, steel and leather. It is therefore the best option for armor that combines steel and leather. Leather can dry out if it is not properly maintained. For example, straps and laces can break. We also sell spare straps and laces so you can replace them.