Dates Back to: Early 14th century

The Vambrace is a tubular or gutter forearm guard that offers defence as part of a suit of plate armour. It’s usually combined with gauntlets and sometimes with couters or elbow defences. 

Vambraces were made from boiled leather, iron or steel and sometimes reinforced with longitudinal strips of hardened hide or metal. They ran the length of the forearm to the wrist and were kept in place with straps. Sometimes, vambraces were decorated with extravagant designs.

Unlike bracers, which covered the inside of an archer’s arm to protect it while shooting a bow, vambraces were plate armour for the arm and forearm. Neither interfere with the wearer’s mobility.

There are several examples of vambraces found in museums as well as historical records. 

History of the Vambrace

Vambraces were a key part of the Great Steppe and Islamic warrior armour. The term originates in the 14th century but it’s known vambraces were worn in Poland until 1770s, in the Caucasus region, Persia, and the Indian Continent until the 19th century. 

Although there’s plenty of evidence for Greek and Roman vambraces (usually made of bronze and perfectly shaped to fit the wearer), there are only limited examples of iron splinted vambraces in pre-Viking graves.

An important factor might be the evolution of the shield. Large shields means more protection for the legs and arms. In medieval times, as heater shields begin replacing flat-topped kite ones, it seems that leg and arm armour becomes more frequent again. 

Examples of Vambraces

Vambrace (Arm Defense) for the Right Arm ca. 1580-90
Vambrace (Arm Defense) for the Right Arm. Italy, ca. 1580-90. Public Domain image courtesy of MET museum.
Upper Right Arm Defense (Vambrace) and Elbow Defense (Couter).
Upper Right Arm Defense (Vambrace) and Elbow Defense (Couter). ca. 1450–60, Italian, Milan. Public Domain image courtesy of MET museum.

Gift Ideas and Replicas

Right Now on eBay 
Loading...

Books about Medieval Weapons

More Medieval Weapons & Armour

Medieval Weapons and Armour: Cuirass

Medieval Cuirass

The Cuirass is a piece of armour that covers the torso and consists of a chest plate and a back piece.

Medieval Weapons: Siege Tower

Medieval Siege Tower

The Medieval Siege Tower was constructed to protect assailants when approaching the walls of a fortification.

Medieval Weapons and Armour: The Helmet

Medieval Helmet

The medieval Helmet was a form of protective gear worn to protect the head, or for ceremonial use.