Plate-mail hybrid armor

[Peroni]

I see what you mean regarding the doubling. The standard bearer thought is a good speculation. The presence of the roves on the inner face seems to suggest, as TFC pointed out, that roves are generally used when a softer (leather?) backing is present. That may be the padding for the hinges. (For which I can see no real purpose) why not join the sections with rivets? far more comfortable.

The point regarding the hinges being on the inside and very uncomfortable is one that made in the other thread. You'd need a good half inch of felted wool or similar to stop those hinges digging in to the shoulders, especially if your suggestion of a doubling over the top is feasable. The added weight in that area would make it extremely uncomfortable.

I wondered if it could have been a 'native-made' piece of equipment, typical of the Balkan region horsemen at the time.

Putting it on must have been awkward too. Opening the hinged plates to allow the head/neck in before fastening the strap arrangement at the back of the neck. Which makes me wonder if the armour was put on like a straightjacket and the whole shirt fastened down the back by a series of buckles. Definately a two-man job!

Regards,