Now that I’ve purchased the base for an armored ensemble in a breastplate and back-piece from Medieval Collectibles, it’s time to add my own shoulder armor to take the look to another level. This children’s body armor is perfect for me because it’s made for the very small and is fully adjustable. The set up already had decent, though basic shoulder and armpit protection, making it super easy to attach my own fancier shoulder armor right on top.
I patterned, cut, molded, riveted and painted this veg-tan 13 oz leather myself a few years ago, but never got so far as to construct a breast plate or harness to wear it with. Leather work is very time consuming with the simple tools at my disposal, and large productions are not that practical for me personally to undertake.
Though the pauldron for the right shoulder was already painted black, these spaulders used to be gold. I just finished repainting them black to match this new armor. With a matching set of spaulders and one pauldron providing more coverage, I have options to outfit myself for a shield and spear, or a two-handed sword, simply by switching out the armor on my right arm.
Being only made of leather, this armor wouldn’t stop real weapons of course; it’s all for play. I believe they would provide some protection against scrapes and some knives, but I wouldn’t consider any of this truly battle ready. It’s only meant to hopefully look that way.
