halfplate

Half-plate is a form of personal armor from late medieval to early modern Europe, characterized by a plate cuirass protecting the torso while the arms and legs were commonly left to mail or lighter protection. It represents a transitional approach between earlier full suits of plate and lighter cuirasses worn by some troops.

Design and components: A typical half-plate outfit included a breastplate and backplate (the main torso protection), often connected by leather straps and internal liners. To shield the waist and upper hips, armorers added a fauld or tassets. Shoulders could be covered by pauldons, and upper-arm protection ( rerebraces or couters) might accompany the setup. Leg armor, if present, was usually minimal compared with full plate coverage and could be supplemented by mail chausses or leather greaves.

Materials and construction: Half-plate armor was normally forged from steel or iron, with edges shaped for contour and joined by rivets. Finishes ranged from polished bright steel to blued or gilt surfaces. The plates were strapped to a wearer using leather or fabric linnings to improve comfort and flexibility.

Historical context: Half-plate emerged in the late 15th century in German-speaking and Italian regions as a compromise between complete plate armor and mobility/cost considerations. It was favored by some cavalrymen, mercenaries, and infantry officers who required substantial torso protection without the weight of a full suit. By the mid-16th century, the fashion of full plate armor became more widespread, and regional variations of half-plate persisted mainly in transitional or lighter forms of protection.

Decline: The rise of firearms and standardized full armor contributed to the decline of half-plate as a distinct category, though its terms and designs informed later armor concepts.