Brigandines & scale armor

Viking leather armour and medieval leather armour: lamellar armour and scale armour

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

Brigandine armour

In the 13th century knights already wore a coat of plates over their hauberk regularly. 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 armour parts and steel plates that were found on the battlefield. Brigandines were often worn over hauberks and used as plate armour 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 armour & leather lamellar armour

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

Maintenance of leather Viking and medieval armour

We recommend Ballistol spray and beeswax for leather armour. Ballistol is suitable for maintenance of wood, steel and leather. It is therefore the best option for armour 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.