Plate armour set
A full set of plate armour – from the helmet to the greaves – is the most iconic image of the medieval knight and is today a sought-after collector’s item, decorative piece and prop all in one. Anyone wishing to buy a set of plate armour faces a number of decisions: historical model, material thickness, workmanship and, of course, intended use. This category offers you complete armour sets ranging from decorative half-armour for just under €170 to intricately crafted Marto replicas based on original historical museum pieces.
What is a complete plate armour set? Overview of structure and components
In technical jargon, armour made entirely from metal plates is referred to as plate armour or full armour – historically accurate terms that have been established in German-speaking regions since the late Middle Ages. The Latin term Lorica segmentata, on the other hand, describes Roman segmented armour and does not apply to medieval plate armour.
A classic full suit of armour consists of the following components:
- Helmet – e.g. sallet, armet or visor helmet
- Collar / neck guard – protects the neck and upper shoulders
- Breastplate and back plate – together form the cuirass
- Shoulder plates (pauldrons) – hinged for freedom of movement
- Arm guards – consisting of upper arm guards, elbow plates and forearm guards
- Plate gloves – often with movable finger joints
- Leg guards – thigh, knee and lower leg plates
- Plated toe guards (sabatons) – often as a separate addition
The undergarment is crucial: a gambeson or armour tunic cushions the body whilst protecting the inner surfaces of the armour from abrasion. A chainmail shirt provides additional protection in areas not fully covered by plates – particularly the armpits, neck and backs of the knees. Half armour differs from full armour in that the legs and feet are only partially armoured or not at all – a common concept among 16th-century infantrymen.
Price ranges: What do I get for which budget?
Late medieval armour sets with individual pieces such as shoulder plates and arm guards made from 16-gauge steel (approx. 1.6 mm) or decorative infantry half-armour sets with a morion helmet made from 1.2 mm steel. Solid basic equipment for re-enactment, decoration or as an introduction to the subject – less suitable for intensive stage combat.
More complete sets such as the Gothic knight’s armour as a full plate armour, the late medieval knight’s armour or the Churburg armour. Movable parts, better material thickness and more detailed workmanship. Suitable for exhibitions, re-enactments and sophisticated decoration.
Marto replicas based on historical originals: Armour of Charles V in various finishes (standard, decorative etching, gold finish, chiselled), armour of the Knights Templar, tournament armour with lance. Elaborately crafted from iron and steel, some featuring historical decorative etching techniques – primarily for collectors, museums and display purposes.
Historical models: From Gothic armour to the armour of Charles V
Gothic armour
Gothic armour is regarded as the pinnacle of German armourers’ craftsmanship. Characteristic features include the ribbed, inwardly curved plates with angled edges – these deflected blows whilst simultaneously creating an elegant, elongated silhouette. Regional centres of production were in Augsburg and Nuremberg.
Maximilian armour
Under Emperor Maximilian I, the so-called Maximilian armour developed, featuring characteristic parallel ribbing on the chest, arms and legs. This ribbing increased the rigidity of the increasingly thin plates and became the hallmark of the era. Churburg Castle in South Tyrol houses some of the best-known surviving examples from this period.
Renaissance and ceremonial armour
With Charles V and the Burgundian legacy – shaped by figures such as Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy – the art of armour-making reached a new dimension as a status symbol. Elaborate decorative etchings (acid-etched ornaments), chiselling (embossed reliefs) and gold finishes transformed armour into works of art. The Marto replicas in this category are based directly on surviving museum specimens.
Templar Armour
The Knights Templar armour combines historical plate elements with the iconographic heritage of the Order. As representative armour in the Marto tradition, it embodies the fusion of military function and religious-symbolic significance – a timeless classic for collectors and exhibitions.
Comparing sets: Decorative, functional or collector’s item?
- Thickness approx. 1.2 mm steel
- Visually impressive, lighter
- Not suitable for combat use
- Affordable entry-level option
- Examples: Infantry half-armour, late medieval knight’s armour
- Handcrafted from iron and steel
- Decorative etching, chasing, gold finish
- Based on museum originals
- Marto production based on historical models
- Examples: Charles V, chiselled, tournament armour with lance
An important note: Most sets in this category are not designed for active display combat or LARP use. Anyone looking for combat-ready armour should opt for individually crafted pieces made from thicker materials and check the requirements of the relevant organiser.
What does the armour include – and what else do I need?
Many armour sets cover the torso, arms and legs, but do not include a helmet – or only a simple one. Check the contents of each set carefully. For a complete look, a matching helmet often needs to be chosen separately – when doing so, you should ensure it matches the style of the era (Gothic visor helmet for Gothic armour, morion for Renaissance infantry).
A gambeson or padded tunic is strongly recommended – it prevents pressure marks, absorbs shocks and simultaneously protects the inside of the armour from abrasion and moisture. Chainmail fills the gaps at the armpits, neck and backs of the knees that plate sections cannot reach. Both components are also useful for purely decorative displays when the armour is presented on a stand.
Sets can be specifically expanded with individual parts from related categories: arm guards, leg guards, shoulder plates, plate gloves, and neck guards and collars allow for customisation or the targeted addition to an existing set.
Carbon steel armour requires regular maintenance as it is susceptible to rust. After each use or during prolonged storage, it is advisable to lightly oil it with acid-free machine oil or special metal care oil. Polished surfaces can be re-polished with a soft cloth. Particular care is required with gold finishes and decorative etchings – do not use abrasive cleaners.
Materials and workmanship: Steel, gauge specifications and surface treatment
| Material / Thickness | Suitability | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Steel 1.2 mm (thin) | Decorative | Half-armour, decorative complete sets |
| 18 gauge / approx. 1.3 mm | Presentation | Armour for exhibitions and re-enactments |
| 16 gauge / approx. 1.6 mm | Functional | Armour sets with greater material thickness |
| Iron / carbon steel (Marto) | Historical | Replicas based on museum originals, collector’s items |
The gauge system originates from the Anglo-American region: the lower the gauge number, the thicker the material. 16 gauge corresponds to approx. 1.6 mm, 18 gauge to approx. 1.3 mm steel thickness. Carbon steel is historically more authentic and heavier than stainless steel, but requires more care to prevent oxidation. Finishes range from polished (bright, mirror-like) to burnished (blackened, corrosion protection) and intricate decorative techniques: decorative etching creates ornamentation through selective acid etching of the steel surface – a process used on Marto pieces based on historical models from European museums. Chiselling refers to embossed, three-dimensional ornaments that are worked into the material by hand.
For collectors, re-enactors and film productions: who buys a complete armour set?
Buyers of complete armour sets can be broadly divided into three groups. Private collectors and museums prefer the high-quality Marto replicas – the faithful reproduction of historical originals, the craftsmanship and the decorative techniques make these pieces genuine exhibition pieces. Re-enactors in the mid-price range look for more complete sets offering a good balance of appearance, mobility and price – the Gothic knight’s armour or the Churburg armour are popular starting points here.
Film, theatre and television productions require an authentic appearance that looks convincing on camera – combat effectiveness is often not the main priority. The so-called ‘armoury concept’ has proven its worth here: a compact set forms the foundation, which is supplemented by specific individual pieces from related categories. For example, breastplates, shoulder plates or gauntlets from the armoury can be combined as required without having to purchase another complete set. If you’re looking for additional weapons, you’ll find suitable options among the knight’s weapons or in the lances and spears section.
Whether you’re looking for a decorative collector’s item based on a historical museum original, a prestigious piece for your armoury, or a complete re-enactment set – in this category you’ll find full plate armour suits to suit different needs and budgets. Take a close look at the individual items and, if needed, combine them with matching parts from related categories such as arm guards, leg guards or helmets.
Frequently Asked Questions
A complete suit of armour made from metal plates is known in German as ‘Plattenharnisch’ or ‘Vollrüstung’. The term ‘Plattenpanzer’ is also commonly used. Historically, it covers all parts of the body, from the helmet and neck guard down to the greaves and sabatons (toe plates).
The price range is very wide: simpler armour sets start at around €168, whilst more complete sets in the mid-range cost between €750 and €1,400. Handcrafted replicas based on museum originals – such as the Marto pieces in this category – cost between €3,000 and over €6,500. Historically crafted armour intended for actual combat was unaffordable for ordinary people in the Middle Ages and was equivalent to several years’ wages.
A complete suit of plate armour consists of a helmet, a neck guard or collar, a breastplate and backplate (cuirass), shoulder plates, arm guards, gauntlets, greaves and sabatons (toe plates). In addition, a gambeson or armour tunic is worn underneath, and often a chainmail shirt to fill the gaps between the plates.
Full armour protects the entire body from head to toe with metal plates. Half-armour, on the other hand, covers only the upper body, arms and, in some cases, the thighs – the lower legs and feet remain unarmoured. Half-armour was particularly common among 16th-century infantrymen, as it offered greater freedom of movement and was lighter.
In the 15th century, Gothic armour with its characteristic domed and ribbed plates was predominant – a speciality of the German armourers’ craft in Augsburg and Nuremberg. In the early 16th century, the Maximilian armour with parallel ribbing replaced the Gothic form. Later, magnificent ceremonial armour with decorative etchings and a gold finish, such as that worn at the court of Charles V, came to dominate.