Fleur Leather Gauntlets

Spar in Style with the Fleur Leather Gauntlets

When it comes to a LARP event or a fantasy convention, gauntlets can add so much to an ensemble. Sure, they can be functional as armor to protect your hands for more rigorous activities, but they’re also very stylish, which bodes well for the rest of the event.

The overall shape resembles that of the historical demi-gauntlets, which protected the backs of the hands and the wrists but left the fingers free. This provides extra mobility and helps the wearer to grip onto a weapon during a fight, while still providing a measure of protection.

These gauntlets are made of sturdy, yet comfortable leather, which is available in two colours, black and brown. They have several main panels, which are connected by rivets. If the leather is black, these rivets will be a silvery colour, whereas the brown variant has brassy coloured rivets.

The largest panel is the wrist guard, which flares out slightly and features a lovely, embossed design which resembles a fleur-de-lis, a French heraldry pattern. The other panels cover part of the thumb and fingers near the knuckles. The edges of each panel are embossed with exacting detail.

The gauntlets are secured to the hand in two ways. First, there are loops for the thumb and fingers to slide through. Then the gauntlet also secures to the wrist with an adjustable strap and a buckle.

The Fleur-De-Lis: A Symbol of the French Monarchy

The Fleur-De-Lis is a design many of us are familiar with, and that has been long associated with medieval heraldry, particularly those of a French persuasion. Since then, it has continued to find use as a symbol of all kinds of organisations.

Despite the name hinting to a lily, this design is thought to be based on a particular species of iris called the Iris Pseudacorus. This flower is native to Europe, including the United Kingdom, and the floppy, flaglike petals have a distinctive yellow hue.

Even in ancient times, this flower inspired symbols much like the Fleur-De-Lis, with cultures such as the Gauls, Scythians, and Indians using it. However, the Fleur-De-Lis became cemented in history during the medieval period, when it was adopted by the French monarchy.

King Clovis I, arguably the first true Frankish king, was heavily associated with the Fleur-De-Lis. This was likely due to the ceremonial lily used when he was crowned and baptised, despite the original design being likely based on a different flower. In time, the Fleur-De-Lis came to represent the divine right to rule of the French monarchy.

Tech Specs

The technical specifications of the Fleur Leather Gauntlets are as follows:

•         Material: Premium 7-8 oz. leather.
•         Colours: Black with silver-toned rivets, or brown with brass-toned rivets.
•         Care Instructions: Use a hard brush to remove dirt, then gently clean with leather soap and a damp cloth. Wipe off excess soap and water, then let dry naturally. Condition with oil or polish, then wipe to remove excess residue.
•         Length: 9.1 inches.
•         Width: 14.6 inches.