Lanceerbases

Lanceerbases are mounting components designed to attach a lance to a support, such as a lance rest on armor or a training stand, and to permit quick release and controlled maneuvering during thrusts. The term is most often encountered in modern reconstructions, museums, and sport or reenactment contexts, rather than in primary medieval manuals. A lanceerbases unit typically comprises a base plate or collar, a socket or clamp for the lance shaft, and a locking mechanism to secure the pole while allowing limited articulation.

Design and variants: Bases vary in size and mounting style. Some are clamp-on devices that grip the shaft near the butt; others are socket-based and integrated into a shoulder harness or a training stand. Common features include a damped or flexible joint to absorb shock, a quick-release latch, and an adjustable angle to align the lance with the rider’s line of sight. Materials range from steel or alloy to reinforced polymers, chosen for durability and weight.

Historical notes and modern usage: In medieval practice, mounting lances often relied on leather straps, wraps, or simple grip; the explicit term “lancebase” is rarely found in early sources. In contemporary reenactment, prop fabrication, and sport fencing with polearms, standardized lanceerbases provide safety, interchangeability, and reproducibility of mounted lances. See also: Lance, Lance rest, Spear, Polearm.