Side fastenings on the thorax.

[John Conyard]

I have been considering the side fastening system on a "typical" copper alloy thorax, namely hinges secured by pins, with ties secured to rings on the breast and back plate. If as a cavalryman, I have hinges secured by pins on both sides, the armour will be made to fit me perfectly. But there will be no movement within it, making riding difficult, and if I fall off the horse the hinges may break upon impact. Plus I cannot put on any weight, or my armour will not fit me.

But if one or both sides are tied using rings and no hinges are used there will be some movement within the armour, and there are no hinges to break or strain if I fall off. There are of course many Italian examples with rings and no hinges, which would also have the advantage in that they could fit more than one person. So my questions are, did cavalry use just one side hinge to give "stiffness" holding the breast and back in place, and just tie the other side to ensure movement within the armour? And are there any existing armours, hopefully identifiable as cavalry armours, with hinges just on one side of the thorax. And finally would people say that most cavalry armours have rings but no hinges?

Thank you.