Churburg 13 Breastplate

Reproduction by Jacob Selmer

This is a reproduction of the Churburg #13 breastplate. The original 9 piece segmented breastplate dates to around 1395. My replica is a munitions grade piece I made to work on patterning, shaping and fitting. I did not include the decorative brass edging or the lance rest.

The material is 16ga hot rolled mild steel. It was originally rusted scrap. I did what I could to give it a decent finish. The project was drawn out over almost 2 years, including the shop flooding multiple times.

The breastplate comes down to just below the ribs. This allows for plenty of movement and comfortable sitting.

Originally, the breastplate was designed for someone slightly larger than me. The commission fell through and I curved the plates more to fit myself. You can see they come very close in the back compared to the original. (Back picture #2)

Buckles are from Historic Enterprises. The trapezoid buckles closely match the originals. The spectacle buckles are 16th century reproductions, but a similar size and shape with added decorations. I made the brass buckle plates and strap ends, including wiggle-work.

All 9 plates are riveted to a single leather sheet. The center 3 plates are attached to each other via sliding rivets. Some of the rivets from the original brass work were used to keep the leather edges down.

A couple last photos showing the curves from the top and the ease of arm movement.

This breastplate will be for sale shortly. I want to get feedback on it before I let it go. I'm 6 foot, 160 pounds. All added up, I have 3 weeks of full time work invested in the research and construction. I'd like to get $500 to cover materials and some of the time. All profits will go towards my next armour reproduction project: a full 15th century suit.

I make no guarantee on fit or safety. The fit can be adjusted slightly by the buyer with a dead blow hammer. Currently a much larger frame would have problems getting into the armour. Over time the leather should loosen. Fighting in armour is not necessarily safe. Be sure to defend, too.