Spaulder / Pauldron
Author: Unknown
Origin: Unknown
Dating: 15th-16th century
Material: Iron
Dimensions (cm): 22 x 24
Weight: 1164 g
Inv. no.: PD1089
Spaulders or pauldrons were the elements of a suit of armour that protected the shoulders. The term derived from the French word “épaule” which means shoulder.
These elements were developed from the 13th century onwards, however, the popularization of firearms in the 16th century made them lose their purpose. The use of spaulders peaked when jousts were in fashion, in which two mounted knights exchanged strokes. During this period, it was common for pauldrons to be asymmetric so that the one in the knights’ non-dominant arm increased the bearer’s head protection.
