Full coverage Manica

[Barius Alexander]

I've always thought the manica was a really interesting piece of armor. I have a nice 3/4 coverage one made by Matt Lukes that is rather realistic and historical, but these full coverage Crupellarius style ones are fascinating too.

Photo from http://www.gladiator.at/index2en.html

It would be an interesting project to try an experimental full coverage manica. It looks like a straight sleeve. I realize elbow flexibility may be limited, but if the lames are loose enough and if there is some extra diameter in the plates it might work.

Are there any armorers or hobbyists who might be willing to give this project a try?

Thanks!

[Marcus Julius]

I remember seeing in a German museum, a later medieval suit that had arms which were comprised of full circle bands. It had been the personal property of the local Landgraf. Unfortunately, that was fifteen years ago and I didn't know enough about armor at the time to give it a good critical look. When I went back to that museum two years ago, it was not on display at the time due to renovations of the building. I've just tried to dig up a picture of it on the web, and can't find that either.

I know this doesn't exactly answer your question, but if the style reappeared nearly a millenia and a half later, it must work.

[Barius Alexander]

I would agree. A variation of a manica or banded arm armor would probably work into medieval times.

Thx.

[richard robinson]

I have been re enacting since 1980 or so and the group i started with always used fully enclosed manicas. The dexterity is only hampered when the leathers are new or if the lames are really wide. My bedt friend is able to touch his nose in his one made circa 1988 and mine allows just as much movement but looks much much uglier i am afraid.
regards,
richard
aka
milesminimus

[martijn.wijnhoven]

I remember seeing in a German museum, a later medieval suit that had arms which were comprised of full circle bands. It had been the personal property of the local Landgraf. Unfortunately, that was fifteen years ago and I didn't know enough about armor at the time to give it a good critical look. When I went back to that museum two years ago, it was not on display at the time due to renovations of the building. I've just tried to dig up a picture of it on the web, and can't find that either.

Several armours made for Henry the VIII have this feature.
See for example: Armour and Arms of Henry the VIII by T. Richardson and Armours of Henry the VIII by H. Russel Robinson.

A photo of one of these can be found at:
http://www.royalarmouries.org/extsite/v ... ionId=1951
(Sorry, I still don't know how to insert a link.)

Regards,

Martijn

[jkaler48]

I think DSC Armory may be willing to give making one a try.
You should contact them and see.
[email protected]

Here is an excellrnt article about the manica:
http://www.romanarmy.net/manica.htm

[garrelt]

Here is an excellrnt article about the manica:
http://www.romanarmy.net/manica.htm

Looking at this article, i have a question:
There is a drawing of the Carlisle Manica, i mean here the left part.
It looks like this shows a protective covering for the back of the hand, fingers and thumb.
Is this correct, or is this drawing seen from the shoulder ?

[Caballo]

"a protective covering for the back of the hand, fingers and thumb"

Yes it is- and the tombtone of Severus and Gaius Annius Salutus, both from Mainz and legionaries of Legio XXII Primigenia, who were based in Mainz between AD 43-70 also shows a rough version of this, split between thumb and back of hand.

Ongoing experiments indicate that you need to wear a fingerless glove sewn into the manica under this- which would also help put the manica on and stop any tendency to rotate around the arm.

Cheers

Caballo

[garrelt]

Perfect

Already hoped that this would be the answer.
Now i can replace my Leather fighting gloves whith something more authentic.

Thanks Paul for the answer.

[le Cavalier Invisible]

Yes it is- and the tombtone of Severus and Gaius Annius Salutus, both from Mainz and legionaries of Legio XXII Primigenia, who were based in Mainz between AD 43-70 also shows a rough version of this, split between thumb and back of hand.

Now i can replace my Leather fighting gloves whith something more authentic.

So, if I understand right, this was (also) worn by the "ordinary" legionaries? :? shock:

Greetz,

[Marcus Mummius]

So, if I understand right, this was (also) worn by the "ordinary" legionaries? :? shock:

Greetz,

Yes, it was worn by the common rank and file.

[le Cavalier Invisible]

Cool 8) 8)
But why don't I see people wearing the d*mn things then?? :? cry:

[Marcus Mummius]

Cool 8) 8)
But why don't I see people wearing the d*mn things then?? :? cry:

Because few reenactors know they could be used in the 1st centruy AD. most think this was something that first appeared during the Dacian wars. They are wrong of course, but in literature the manica is often placed in the 2nd century AD.

Also the one made by deepeeka is crap. The plates overlap the wrong way. All mass produced manicae are crap until now.

I will wear mine for sure. It's very light and comfortable. Mine was made by Andrew Walpole. They are now sold by Armamentaria: http://www.armamentaria.com/store/index ... urers_id=7

Vale,

[Caballo]

And you'll see a fair smattering in the XIIII and batavians- and even a couple in the Guard these days! An increasingly fashionable item.....

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Mine have the thumb guard seperate from the hand guard.
The reason I don't wear them is due to the lack of suitable leather, as of yet.