Help me identify this armour?

[Greg Ellis]

I\'m having a bit of trouble figuring out what this guy\'s armoured vest is supposed to be.

Is it metal studs on fabric?
Or metal studs on leather?
Or a metal breastplate with studs on it?
Or something else?

And how about those three sets of vertical bars in the centre of his chest - what are they? Metal clasps or something? Buckles?

 

[marineboy]

Definitely metal studs on leather and metal clasps.

 

[vincegamer]

leather armor with metal studs.
It\'s quite popular in fantasy art but I can\'t find any historical examples.

Just google \"studded leather armor\" for images.

 

[Manus]

studded leather armour - no doubt (ahh Gwen - sorry, sidetrack)

 

[Dedwrekka]

Originally posted by vincegamer
leather armor with metal studs.
It\'s quite popular in fantasy art but I can\'t find any historical examples.

Just google \"studded leather armor\" for images.

Traditionally it would appear in civilian based forces such as Irish and Scottish resistance to English forces. It was easily made from a leather jerkin or apron and small metal coins, studs, or scraps. Though rarely you might see lamellar armor in these forces where the metal studs holding it together were more prominent (being hastily made), giving the impression of a studded leather shirt.