surcoat checked black red Gespen en riembeslag Middeleeuwen - Renaissance - piraten back and shoulders from cold

back and shoulders from cold weather and rain

The beard bead is based upon a hairpin discovered in the Viking settlement of Haithabu

This 16th-century belt fitting is based on originals found in the areas of Paris

This Norman ring is completely handmade of bronze

surcoat checked black red Gespen en riembeslag Middeleeuwen - Renaissance - piraten back and shoulders from coldThe tradition of wearing a surcoat over armour began during the Crusades. Surcoats helped prevent overheating by shielding the armour from direct sunlight. They also provided ideal protection for the mail hauberk and later helped protect plate armour from corrosion and rust. The surcoat features a slit, permitting the knight to employ it more easily for cavalry purposes. From the late 12th century, knights primarily wore long surcoats. By the mid 13th