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Besagew

Besagews, also spelled besagues, are small circular plates of metal integrated into plate armor harnesses to shield the armpits, a vulnerable joint area exposing major arteries such as the axillary artery.^[1] These defenses, classified as a form of rondel, were typically laced or strapped to the spaulders or pauldrons, providing targeted protection against thrusts and cuts while maintaining arm mobility.^[2] Emerging in the early 14th century as plate armor evolved across Europe, besagews became a standard component in knightly harnesses by the 15th century, particularly in Gothic and Milanese styles. They were crafted from tempered steel, often 1-2 mm thick, with diameters ranging from 4 to 7 inches, and sometimes featured decorative etching or gilding on high-status examples. Besagews addressed the inherent weaknesses in full plate ensembles, where the armpit gap between the breastplate and shoulder defenses posed a lethal risk in close combat.^[3] Their use persisted into the 16th century but declined with the transition to more articulated and comprehensive armors, though reproductions and historical artifacts remain in museum collections today.^[1] Notable surviving examples include 19th-century French recreations based on medieval designs, underscoring besagews' role in the iterative development of protective technology during the age of chivalry.^[1]

Overview

Definition and Etymology

A besagew (also spelled besague or besagues) is a small, circular plate of metal, typically classified as a type of rondel, designed to protect the vulnerable armpit area in plate armor harnesses.^[4] It functions as a defensive element to cover the joint between the torso and shoulder protections, allowing limited arm mobility while shielding against thrusts or strikes.^[5] Physically, a besagew measures usually 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) in diameter and may be flat, slightly convex, or concave for better fit against the body.^[5]^[6] It often features a central opening or attachment via leather straps or laces that pass through holes in the besagew and secure around the arm or to the spaulder, enabling it to slide or pivot with movement.^[5]^[7] The word "besagew" derives from the Old French "besague," denoting a two-edged axe, with the armor term possibly evolving from this due to the plate's protective, blade-deflecting role.^[4] It first appears in English armory contexts in the 14th century, reflecting the period's growing use of specialized plate components.^[4]

Purpose and Function

The besagew serves as a specialized component of plate armor, primarily functioning to shield the armpit—a critical vulnerability created by the gap between the breastplate, spaulders, or pauldrons—against thrusts or slashes that could exploit the joint's mobility during combat.^[8]^[9] This protection is essential, as the axillary region houses vital arteries and remains exposed when the arm is raised or moved, making it a prime target for opponents seeking to bypass the rigid structure of full plate.^[10] Biomechanically, the besagew enables necessary arm mobility for wielding weapons by covering the axillary area without fully encasing it, thus preserving the range of motion required for shoulder rotation and strikes while mitigating risks in articulated armor systems.^[8]^[9] As a rondel variant, its compact design facilitates this balance, allowing the wearer to maintain defensive postures and offensive capabilities essential to medieval warfare.^[11] Tactically, the besagew enhances the overall integrity of the armor harness by fortifying a common weak point, thereby reducing the likelihood of debilitating injuries without compromising the wearer's agility.^[8] It is frequently integrated with lames for overlapping coverage or chainmail gussets to provide layered defense, creating a more resilient system against penetrating attacks in close-quarters engagements.^[9]^[10]

History

Origins in Medieval Armor

The besagew emerged during the early 14th century as part of the transitional phase in European armor, coinciding with the gradual replacement of chain mail by plate components to better protect vulnerable joints amid evolving combat demands.^[12] Earliest visual evidence appears in French manuscript miniatures dating to around 1300, depicting simple circular plates affixed to the shoulder area for armpit defense, often in conjunction with early spaulders on knights in transitional harnesses.^[13] Similar forms are illustrated in 14th-century effigies and brasses across Western Europe, with known examples dating from around 1320.^[14] This development was rooted in Western European military contexts, particularly during the Hundred Years' War (1337–1453), when armorers addressed the limitations of mail hauberks by incorporating rigid plates over high-risk areas like the armpits, influenced by intensified close-quarters fighting and advancements in metalworking. The initial designs were basic rondels—flat, disc-shaped steel pieces, typically 4–6 inches in diameter, riveted or strapped to the upper arm guards—predating more integrated full plate constructions and serving as modular additions to brigandine or coat-of-plates ensembles.^[12]

Evolution Through the Late Middle Ages

By the mid-15th century, besagews had evolved from their earlier forms in transitional armor to become more seamlessly integrated components of advanced plate harnesses, particularly in conjunction with cuisses covering the thighs and tassets protecting the hips and upper legs, allowing for greater mobility while maintaining joint coverage.^[12] These adaptations reflected the broader refinement of full plate armor, where precise articulation became essential to counter thrusting weapons and improved edged blades. Besagews reached their peak usage between approximately 1450 and 1500, becoming widespread in both Gothic and Milanese armors as full plate harnesses demanded comprehensive protection for vulnerable joints like the armpits amid increasingly complex battlefield maneuvers.^[15] This era marked the height of their standardization, with besagews serving as critical elements in ensembles that enclosed the knight from head to toe, enhancing overall defensive efficacy against the period's prevalent arms. Their prominence began to wane around 1550, coinciding with the rise of firearms, whose projectiles rendered extensive plate protections less practical and led to lighter, more abbreviated armor designs.^[10] Regional variations in besagew design highlighted stylistic and functional differences across Europe during this time. In German Gothic armor, besagews were typically 4-6 inches in diameter and more ornate, featuring ridges and symmetrical forms to provide broader protection and aesthetic elaboration suited to the slender, vertically fluted profiles of these harnesses.^[15] Conversely, Italian Milanese styles favored larger besagews up to 8 inches, less decorative but reinforced for durability, aligning with the rounder, heavier constructions of these armors and emphasizing practical reinforcement over embellishment.^[15]

Design and Construction

Materials and Shapes

Besagews were primarily constructed from steel, often with low- to medium-carbon content, which was tempered to enhance hardness and resilience while maintaining flexibility for the wearer's movements. This material choice allowed for effective protection against thrusts and slashes in the vulnerable armpit area, as evidenced by surviving examples from the late 15th and 16th centuries. Leather straps or linings were often incorporated for attachment and comfort, preventing chafing against the underarm during combat or jousting.^[5]^[16] The thickness of besagew plates typically ranged from 1 to 2 mm, striking a balance between defensive strength and minimal added weight to the overall harness—essential for mobility in plate armor ensembles. Sizes varied according to the wearer's build, generally spanning 4 to 8 inches in diameter or equivalent dimension, as seen in artifacts like a pair of German besagews measuring approximately 5.5 to 7.75 inches across. Surface treatments included polishing for a reflective finish that aided in corrosion resistance and visual appeal, bluing through controlled heating to form a protective oxide layer, and etching or fluting for both decorative and functional reinforcement against impacts.^[17]^[18]^[5]^[19] In terms of shapes, besagews were predominantly round in the rondel style, providing broad coverage over the armpit joint without impeding arm flexion—a design necessity for integrating with spaulders or pauldrons. Variations included oval forms, which offered slightly elongated protection suited to certain harness configurations, as documented in composite armors from the 15th century. Rectangular shapes were preferred in English armor traditions, featuring subtly concave sides for better contouring to the body. These form adaptations reflected regional preferences and the functional demands of armpit coverage in evolving plate systems.^[18]^[16]^[19]^[20]

Attachment Methods

Besagews were typically secured to the spaulders or pauldrons using leather straps passed through central holes and fastened with buckles or rivets, allowing for flexibility in the armpit region.^[21] These straps, often lined with steel-headed rivets, enabled the besagew to pivot with arm movement while providing targeted protection.^[21] In some harnesses, besagews were riveted directly to the spaulder structure for a more permanent fit, as seen in late 15th- to 16th-century German examples.^[9] Alternative attachment methods included hanging the besagew from the breastplate via short leather straps or integrating it with underlying chainmail voiders sewn into an arming garment, ensuring coverage without restricting mobility.^[9] Advanced 15th-century designs occasionally featured besagews hooked onto the lames of the breastplate or adjustable via sliding mechanisms along the arm harness rods, facilitating quick removal and replacement during maintenance or combat preparation.^[22] Engineering considerations emphasized weight distribution to minimize arm fatigue, with each besagew generally weighing 0.3 to 1 lb (0.14 to 0.45 kg), though examples like a mid-16th-century European piece reached 0.85 kg (1.87 lb).^[21] This lightweight construction, combined with strap-based fixings, allowed for efficient donning and doffing, often in under a minute, while maintaining defensive efficacy.^[9]

Usage and Examples

Integration in Full Plate Harnesses

In full plate harnesses, besagews were positioned bilaterally to protect the armpits, a vulnerable joint where the arms connected to the torso, thereby sealing gaps between the breastplate, spaulders, and lower body defenses.^[5] These rondels coordinated with rerebraces covering the upper arms and vambraces enclosing the forearms, allowing articulated movement while maintaining coverage; they also complemented cuisses on the thighs by contributing to the overall enclosure of the harness against thrusts and strikes.^[22] Essential for knights engaged in field battles or tournaments, besagews enabled practical mobility for wielding weapons without exposing critical arteries.^[23] Besagews integrated seamlessly into both white harnesses—polished steel ensembles prized for their unadorned functionality—and harnessed systems incorporating fabric underlayers or arming points for secure lacing.^[24] Attachment typically involved leather straps or points linking the besagew to the adjacent rerebrace or spaulder, ensuring it pivoted with arm motion during swordplay.^[23] Adjustments for left- or right-arm dominance were common, with slight asymmetries in shaping or positioning to optimize reach and guard in combat.^[22] Despite their protective role, besagews presented limitations if oversized, potentially hindering extreme arm abduction needed for certain maneuvers, though bilateral placement on both sides promoted symmetry and balanced the harness's ergonomics.^[23] This design prioritized sealing vulnerabilities over unrestricted motion, reflecting the trade-offs in late medieval armor engineering.^[22]

Notable Historical Artifacts and Depictions

One of the most notable surviving examples of a besagew is a circular plate from a composite field armour in the Gothic style, dated to around 1480 and originating from Germany, preserved in the Royal Armouries collection. This artifact features a roped border and steel-headed lining strap rivets, illustrating the functional design for armpit protection in late medieval plate harnesses.^[25] Another significant piece is a pair of armpit defenses (besagews) from the mid-16th century, likely German, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art; crafted from steel with leather straps, these demonstrate the evolution toward more refined, standalone rondels with a diameter of approximately 5.5 inches.^[5] The Churburg Armoury in northern Italy holds several 15th-century armors, including Milanese and German-influenced sets with integrated or attached besagews, highlighting the transition from transitional to full plate designs in the late Middle Ages.^[26] These artifacts underscore regional stylistic differences, such as the rounded forms in Italian and German examples, offering tangible evidence of besagew adaptation across Europe during the late medieval period.

Modern Reproductions

Contemporary Crafting Techniques

Contemporary besagews are typically hand-forged from 1.6 mm thick mild steel sheets, where artisans heat the metal and hammer it over an anvil to form the characteristic concave, fluted shape that protects the armpit while allowing mobility.^[27] This process draws on traditional raising techniques but incorporates modern forges for consistent heating, enabling precise control over the metal's curvature and edge rolling.^[28] Following forging, the pieces undergo heat treatment, including quenching and tempering, to achieve a balanced hardness that resists denting without becoming brittle.^[29] In small-scale production, water-jet cutting is employed to create initial precision shapes from steel sheets, minimizing material waste and ensuring accurate outlines before manual finishing; this cold-cutting method avoids heat distortion, preserving the metal's properties for subsequent hammering.^[30] Tooling plays a central role in refinement, with swages used on anvils to form the besagew's dome and fluting, while polishing wheels provide a smooth, reflective finish to mimic historical artifacts.^[28] Quality standards emphasize structural integrity and longevity, with tempering processes calibrated to yield balanced hardness in mild steel variants, providing sufficient yield strength for repeated use.^[29] Non-magnetic stainless steel, such as 16-gauge (1.5 mm) grades, serves as a popular alternative to mild steel, offering superior rust resistance for outdoor reenactment without compromising flexibility or weight.^[31] These pieces are often blackened on the interior surfaces post-treatment to further inhibit corrosion, aligning with practical demands while adhering to historical proportions.^[32]

Use in Reenactment and Collectibles

In historical reenactment, besagews are essential components for reconstructing authentic late medieval plate armor harnesses, particularly for events focused on the 14th and 15th centuries, where they protect the vulnerable armpit area during mock combats and demonstrations.^[33]^[34] Reenactors often integrate them into pauldrons or arm defenses using leather laces or straps, allowing mobility while deflecting simulated blows, as seen in Gothic-style arm harnesses suitable for full-contact or theatrical performances.^[33]^[34] Modern reproductions typically employ 14- to 16-gauge mild steel or 1.2 mm hardened spring steel, formed into convex rondels approximately 3.8 to 6.7 inches (9.5 to 17 cm) in diameter, with central holes for secure lacing to underlying armor plates.^[33]^[34]^[35] These pieces, often sold in pairs, feature historical details like spiral fluting inspired by 1467 effigies, enhancing both functionality and visual accuracy for groups like the Society for Creative Anachronism or European medieval fairs.^[35] Blackened finishes or polished surfaces are common to mimic period aesthetics and resist corrosion during outdoor use.^[34] Beyond reenactment, besagews serve as sought-after collectibles among armor enthusiasts, valued for their handcrafted quality and fidelity to artifacts like those from South German Gothic armors.^[33]^[36] They are frequently displayed in private collections or museums as standalone pieces or integrated into full harness replicas, with octagonal or round designs emphasizing ornamental elements such as roped edges.^[34]^[36] For live-action role-playing (LARP) and cosplay, lighter variants provide aesthetic enhancement without full historical rigidity, broadening their appeal in fantasy contexts.^[34]

References

[1]
Armpit Defense (Besagew) - probably French
Title: Armpit Defense (Besagew); Date: ca. 1850–1900; Culture: probably French; Medium: Steel, leather; Dimensions: Diam. 6 1/2 in.
[2]
[PDF] A VISUAL HISTORY OF ARMS AND ARMOR
BESAGEW Small discs laced to the shoulder to defend armpit. BEVOR Cupped chin ... PLATE ARMOUR. The full steel plate armor worn by knights in the 15th ...
[3]
[PDF] chivalry - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Besagew. Rerebrace. Cowter (elbow cop). Vambrace. Tasset. Saddle steel. Chanfron. (Shaffron). Escutcheon. Armored Reins. Peytrel. Brayette. Poleyn. (knee cop).<|control11|><|separator|>
[4]
besagu - Middle English Compendium - University of Michigan
Also besagew, besgue. Etymology, OF besague two-edged ax. Definitions (Senses and Subsenses). 1. (a) A piece of plate armor protecting the armpit, a palette; (b) ...
[5]
Pair of Armpit Defenses (Besagews) - German or Austrian
Dimensions: Diam. (k) 5 9/16 in. (14.1 cm); Diam. (l) 5 13/16 in. (14.8 ... Armor of Emperor Ferdinand I (1503–1564), Kunz Lochner German, Steel. Armor ...Missing: diameter | Show results with:diameter
[6]
https://irongatearmory.com/product/spaulders-with-besagew/
[7]
Round Steel Besagews - Dark Knight Armoury
When storing this armour, protect it from oxidation by coating it with machine oil. Sizing: Diameter: 3.8 Inches. Measurements are approximate. Reviews. There ...Missing: besagew | Show results with:besagew
[8]
The Armour of an English Medieval Knight
Jun 13, 2018 · A circular disk (besagew) in front of the armpit protected the exposed area between the arm and chest plates. An alternative was the pauldron, a ...
[9]
Medieval Armour: Rondel or Basegew. Types of rondels, Facts and ...
The Rondel or Basegew (or besague) was a circular piece of metal attached to a helmet, breastplate, or gauntlet. It was worn as part of a harness for a plate ...
[10]
Medieval Protective Armor - Great Castles
Besagew / Rondel. A circular plate that covers the armpit. A besagew, or rondel, was typically worn with spaulders. These protected vital arteries under the ...
[11]
https://irongatearmory.com/product/rondel-besagew/
[12]
Ancient Armour and Weapons in Europe by John Hewitt
This is a manuscript of the fourteenth century (circa 1360); used here to illustrate the subject of banded-mail. ... besague, getta au dit Colart," &c. The head ...
[13]
Manuscript Miniatures: Search
### Earliest Manuscript Miniatures Showing Besagews (14th Century)
[14]
Effigies & Brasses: Search
### Earliest Effigies or Brasses Showing Besagews (14th Century, 1300-1399)
[15]
A record of European armour and arms through seven centuries
... 1360—Others represented on effigy and brass—Some extant examples dating ... besague." We have been unable to arrive at the derivation of the word. A ...
[16]
Arms and Armor in Medieval Europe - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
### Summary on Besagews or Armpit Protection in Late Medieval European Armor
[17]
English Armor 15th Century - Chris Flagstad
Besagews are little shields that hang in front of the gaps in the armpit. The insides of joints are difficult to protect with armor, particularly the armpit.
[18]
Fashion in European Armor, 1400–1500 - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
### Summary of Besagews/Armpit Protection Evolution in European Armor (1400–1500)
[19]
[PDF] Experiments with 'medieval steel' plates - Historical Metallurgy
Some experiments on quenching and tempering were carried out on a sample of modern ultra-pure steel and two specimens of 16th century armour, to observe changes ...
[20]
Wallace Collection Online - The Collection | Result
At this point on the inner side each besagew has attached to it a metal tongue which is designed to act as a spring and ease the contact of the besagew with the ...
[21]
Materials and Techniques of Plate Armor - Battle-Merchant
Dec 18, 2024 · Steel, an alloy of iron and carbon, offered significant advantages over pure wrought iron in terms of hardness and durability. The art of ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[22]
Pair of Armpit Defenses (Besagews) - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Title: Pair of Armpit Defenses (Besagews); Date: ca. 1500; Culture: possibly German; Medium: Steel, leather; Dimensions: Diam. of each 7 3/4 in.Missing: 14th century
[23]
The Collection
The sallet is Flemish, the sabatons Italian of the 15th century (both elements are very rare). The bevor, the breastplate, the right spaudler with integral ...Missing: besagew | Show results with:besagew
[24]
About Our Armour - Knyghtly Armes
Although the Germans preferred circular besagews, those seen on similar armours in England are often more or less rectangular, with slightly concave sides ...
[25]
Besagew - 1531-1570 | Collection Object | Royal Armouries
Royal Armouries Education. The award-winning Royal Armouries schools service is available at Leeds and Fort Nelson. Learning resources designed to support the ...
[26]
Armour - Medieval Warfare
Plate that covers the section of upper arm from elbow to area covered by shoulder armour. Besagew Circular plate that covers the armpit, typically worn with ...
[27]
E. Oakeshott - A Knight and His Armor | PDF - Scribd
E. Oakeshott - A Knight and His Armor - Free download as PDF File (.pdf) or read online for free. E. Oakeshott - A Knight and His Armor. ... Blair, Claude.
[28]
The Full White Armor Suit: Complete Guide For Knights
The Full Suit of White Armor: A Comprehensive Guide. White armor, often referred to as “white harness” or “white plate,” was not actually white in color.
[29]
- Royal Armouries
Description: Besagew. Composite field armour in the Gothic style. About 1480, Germany. II.1 Credit: [Copyright] Royal Armouries Museum (Library) - Image Library ...
[30]
Churburg Armor S18 Style, 1380-1430 - CelticWebMerchant.com
Sep 20, 2024 · Shoulder plates, for instance, began to include 'besagews,' round plates to protect the armpits. In Northern Italy, 'white armour' slowly became ...Missing: besagew artifacts Armory
[31]
The Tomb of Sir John Crosby of Crosby Hall and Wife (1476)
Sir John was a wealthy patron of St Helen's Bishopsgate. His alabaster effigy presents him in armor. Creator. Photo by Sydney Morris. Date. 1476 ...Missing: depiction | Show results with:depiction
[32]
Besegews. - Facebook
Jan 21, 2023 · There are rondels and reinforces aplenty, but I reserve the term 'besagew' for those defenses that block a gap between breastplate and spaudler.
[33]
Besagew fluting, with a square faced hammer. - YouTube
Sep 18, 2018 · Raising a besagew from 1,5mm mild steel using a new hammer that I've forged especially for that task a day earlier. Besagews are part of ...Missing: hand | Show results with:hand
[34]
Techniques Of Medieval Armour Reproduction: The 14th Century
This book is a comprehensive guide for aspiring and active armourers, providing detailed instruction on the production of medieval armour in the style of the ...
[35]
Heat treating armour - A modern way
### Summary of Modern Heat Treating for Armor and Hardness Levels
[36]
Waterjet Cutting Armor Plate
Waterjet cutting makes armor plate cutting quick and easy, as it is a cold process that prevents warping and hardness changes, unlike hot processes.
[37]
Digital replication and reconstruction of mail armour - ScienceDirect
Current methods of computer reconstruction use two technologies, 3D scanning and CAD, to generate digital replicas of historical costumes. 3D scanning is ...Original Article · 3. Material And Methods · 3.5. 3d Modelling And...
[38]
Etched Paladin Knight Pauldrons - Armstreet
Knight Pauldrons “Paladin”. Flared back plate, 6 lames and besagews. $629.00. $514.00. Standard ...Missing: besagew | Show results with:besagew
[39]
Gothic Besagews, Late 15th C., 1.6 mm Steel, Pair - Battle-Merchant
Our slightly concave, ornate besagews are made of approx. 1.6 mm (16 gauge) thick steel and blackened on the back for better corrosion resistance. They are each ...
[40]
Round Steel Besagews - Medieval Collectibles
### Summary of Round Steel Besagews
[41]
15th Century Pauldrons with Besagews - Blackened
These 16-gauge steel pauldrons have a blackened finish, integrated besagews, secure straps, and are ideal for reenactments, LARPing, and cosplaying.
[42]
Spiral fluted besagews - Manning Imperial
Gothic besagew from 1.2mm spring steel hardened and tempered. Based on the effigy of Jorg Truchsess von Waldburg 1467.
[43]
14th-15th Century Pauldrons with Rondels (Besagews) - Outlet
At the top, you'll find a leather tab with holes for pointing (tying) to your arming garment, and the bottom lame features a riveted leather strap with a steel ...