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Topic: manifer questions

Peter Lyon
Member
Member # 232

posted 01-05-2008 12:39 PM

I have started using a saddle front for jousting - which is great, it gives good protection to the vitals, and doesn't interfere with my riding - but I have run into one issue. My harness is in the 1400-1410 period (or will be once I add the neck plate to my basinet) and I currently wear hourglass gauntlets. The right hand is fine, but the left is a problem; my hand ends up in front of the saddle front, as it should, but the wide cuff of the gauntlet causes problems when I try to lift my hand behind the shield to get more rein contact - it often catches on the shield and interferes with my hand movement.

So I am planning to get a manifer, which should get around this by fitting more snugly over my arm harness, and better hand protection by not having individual fingers that can get munched by a direct lance hit. So I have a few questions.

- When did manifers appear?

- How did their form change as armours changed?

- What "look" is most appropriate for my harness?

- Photos and makers would be appreciated.

Registered: Oct 2001 | IP: Logged

chef de chambre
Admin & Advocatus Diaboli
Member # 4

posted 01-05-2008 01:53 PM

Hi Peter,

I believe they appear in the 1430-1440 time frame, so a little later than your current kit. I'm sure you have seen my commentary on the photo posted on the archive.

--------------------

Bob R.

Registered: May 2000 | IP: Logged

Peter Lyon
Member
Member # 232

posted 01-05-2008 03:39 PM

Thanks for that, I searched through my picture files and the earliest picture I could find clearly showing a manifer-type gauntlet, was Saint George and the Dragon by Roger Van der Weyden, painted in 1432. I had an ideas that they may have appeared earlier, but I haven't been able to find any clear illuminations or paintings - either they are too small, show hourglass gauntlets, or the subject is armoured but not wearing any hand protection.

Registered: Oct 2001 | IP: Logged

AlterReal
New Member
Member # 3910

posted 02-03-2008 02:25 PM

I also have to use a manifer but could not find any documentation before 1400. I would appreciate more information too!

Registered: Jan 2008 | IP: Logged

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