Dragon Bracers

Dragon Bracers – Symbols Of Ancient Power

Made with blackened 18 gauge steel, these dragon bracers  (also known as “Dragomir”) come as a pair and should serve as a potent symbol on the battlefield. Each bracer is secured to the arm via two leather straps and their serpentine features are accentuated by the lines and curves chosen in their overall design and the embossed curves featured on all three sections of the bracer. These sections overlap and are riveted together with leather straps between them. The skill required to produce armor as articulated and well-designed as these dragon bracers is as much of a marvel today as it was many hundreds of years ago. Wear these dragon bracers into battle with pride and comfort.

On The Ubiquity Of Dragons

The winged, serpentine monsters depicted on these dragon bracers were a powerful symbol in the ancient world and a staple of the fantasy genre. But if we accept that dragons are a work of the imagination, we must also offer some explanation as to their existence in every culture in human history. This has been discussed at length before, and the best explanation seems to be that dragons take on characteristics common to our primary sources of danger when we were tree-dwelling proto-humans. Dragons continued to be associated with caves, lake beds and other serpentine places into recorded history/legend and though they are fearsome creatures in many mythologies, they are also wise. Once we reach the Christian period, dragons are almost always associated with the devil and evil.

Depictions Of Dragons

The idea of intelligent, powerful serpent-like creatures that weren’t necessarily evil didn’t sit well with the Christian version of things (for more on this topic, read the Bible). But Christian missionaries had an extraordinary skill at weaving their message into existing mythologies and cultural narratives, altering only enough detail to make the message one of Christianity. So it was that the various dragon legends of pre-Christian, Celtic Europe became Christian stories of light triumphing over darkness – keeping the fantastical elements that pique our interest but inserting their own message. 

Eastern Dragons

Dragons in Chinese and other eastern cultures are more complex than those of Christian folklore. They are usually water spirits with control over natural phenomena like floods, typhoons, storms, and rainfall. Some dragons are wise and benevolent, some are wicked and cruel. Dragons are also a symbol of luck to those worthy of displaying such a symbol. Several dynasties have taken dragons for their symbol, hoping to project the kind of confidence that the mythical animal inspires. The oldest dragons found in China are made of Jade and date back to 4700 BC. These were found in the lands of the Hongshan people. Some historians have speculated that “pig dragons” found in the area are the origin of the first Chinese character for the word “dragon”. Both share a similarly coiled shape. 

Bracer Or Vambrace?

Typically, in video games and RPGs, any armor that covers the forearm is referred to as a “bracer”. Some historians might dispute the accuracy of this, stating that a bracer refers to an archery guard, designed to protect the arm from the bowstring and stop the fletching from catching on loose clothing. Technically, “vambrace” is the term used for forearm protection in a melee context, though it wasn’t always made of metal. Evidence exists for boiled leather vambraces as well as steel ones. Articulated examples such as these were possible to create in the Medieval Period but would have been expensive due to the material, skill, and labour hours involved in their creation. If we can imagine that there have been troops in history which both fought with bows, and on occasion, also fought close-quarters, then it’s not hard to imagine that some of these combatants would have adapted their bracers to function in both types of combat. There are historical examples of leather bracers banded with strips of steel to improve their efficiency. 

Technical Specs

Key Features:

• Dragon Bracers come in pairs
• Practical, unique, overlapping design
• Excellent mobility
• Easy to fasten with leather straps
• Great for reenactments, Renaissance Faires, and LARP

Materials:

• 18 gauge steel and leather

Care Instructions:

• Keep away from water. Clean with an appropriate metal polish and re-oil to properly maintain the armor. Use leather-care products on the fittings and straps.

Sizing:

• Length: 12 Inches
• Width: 5 Inches
• Upper Inner Circumference: 9.3-20 Inches
• Lower Inner Circumference: 6.3-14.5 Inches

Measurements are approximate.

Dragon Bracers are handmade and may vary slightly from what is shown above.

When purchasing armor pieces, it’s best to stay within the brand to ensure the pieces are compatible,