STUDIA I MATERIAŁY – STUDIES AND MATERIALS Acta Militaria Mediaevalia IV Kraków – Sanok 2008, s. 87-124 Lech Marek The ruins of the castle called Szczerba are of their times. Fortunately for the archeologists, located in the vicinity of Gniewoszów village, 4 km Szczerba castle was never rebuilt after the above west from the Bystrzyca Kłodzka – Międzylesie mentioned events, which enables us to observe road, in the Kłodzko Basin. A fortress, built on relatively well preserved ruins and its original the top of a hill of 530 m height was of great layout of the 14 -15 cent., at the site (Fig. 1). strategic significance, since it guarded the trade Professional excavations were conducted in Szczerba routes, leading from Bohemia through the Dzika under the supervision of Cz. Francke M. A. from Orlica Valley towards Kłodzko and further into the Archaeological Museum in Wrocław during 10 Silesia (Francke 1993, 339). Apart from its military seasons in 1986-1996. The research team recorded advantages it also played a vital role as an an interesting stratigraphical scheme, related to administrative center of the neighbouring lands. the history of the castle. Clearly distinguishable The Kłodzko Basin in the late medieval period layers consisting of charcoal and debris mingled was divided into several lands with castles as the with destroyed artefacts, are evidence for fierce centers of authority held by the knights in the name battle during the last stand of the garrison at of their sovereign – initially Bohemian King, and Szczerba. Among significant pieces of archaeological afterwards by less prestigious representatives of evidence collected during the field work, fragments Bohemian or Silesian nobility. From medieval of medieval armour are of exceptional value. documents we know that such small lordships According to the field inventories the entire in the region, were named after fortresses, f.e. assemblage consisted of 393 scales, larger plates lordship Karpenstein (Polish Karpień), lordship and armour buckles, which once belonged to coats 1 Schnallenstein (Polish Szczerba), lordship Landfried of plates and brigandines . I was able to examine (Polish Homole). 374 pieces. The entire collection is kept in the Castle under discussion is mentioned first Archaeological Museum in Wrocław. A selection time in written accounts under German name of characteristic types, their dimensions and other Schnallenstein in 1358, when a knight Otto Schuler distinctive features are presented in the catalogue. from the Lusatian family de Glubos (German: Finds were scattered all over the place, Glaubitz, Polish: Glaubicz) most probably inherited present in almost every single compartment of it from his father, also called Otto. The fortress the explored castle buildings. Most numerous suffered major damage during the fierce and assemblages were discovered in two areas: in devastating armed raid of the Hussites in 1428 proximity to the main gate (assemblage No. 1), (Grünhagen 1872, 143). Outdated defenses of the and in building II (assemblage No. 2), interpreted Kłodzko Basin castles were no match for the well by the researchers as a heated chamber with 2 equipped Bohemian invaders, accustomed to the a storage space in the attic (Francke 2005, 101). principles of the most developed siege warfare It’s interesting to observe that the diffusion of th th MEDIEVAL ARMOUR FROM SZCZERBA CASTLE 1 Flexible or semi rigid type of armour consisting of overlapping scales or larger plates riveted to a textile or leather covering, so that only rivet heads are visible from the outside. Their coverings include buckskin, silk, velvet, linen, probably wool (Přichoda 1929, 111) or even cloth of gold (Granscay 1950, 186). Sometimes there were three layers of fabric – two of linen, hidden beneath an outer layer of dyed silk. Such construction occurred in the case of the 14 cent. brigandine from Tirol castle (Stadler 2004, 20). 2 Walls of stone had an internal siding constructed of wooden logs. th
Transcript
STUDIA I MATERIAŁY – STUDIES AND MATERIALS
Acta Militaria Mediaevalia IVKraków – Sanok 2008, s. 87-124
Lech Marek
The ruins of the castle called Szczerba are of their times. Fortunately for the archeologists, located in the vicinity of Gniewoszów village, 4 km Szczerba castle was never rebuilt after the above west from the Bystrzyca Kłodzka – Międzylesie mentioned events, which enables us to observe road, in the Kłodzko Basin. A fortress, built on relatively well preserved ruins and its original the top of a hill of 530 m height was of great layout of the 14 -15 cent., at the site (Fig. 1). strategic significance, since it guarded the trade Professional excavations were conducted in Szczerba routes, leading from Bohemia through the Dzika under the supervision of Cz. Francke M. A. from Orlica Valley towards Kłodzko and further into the Archaeological Museum in Wrocław during 10 Silesia (Francke 1993, 339). Apart from its military seasons in 1986-1996. The research team recorded advantages it also played a vital role as an an interesting stratigraphical scheme, related to administrative center of the neighbouring lands. the history of the castle. Clearly distinguishable The Kłodzko Basin in the late medieval period layers consisting of charcoal and debris mingled was divided into several lands with castles as the with destroyed artefacts, are evidence for fierce centers of authority held by the knights in the name battle during the last stand of the garrison at of their sovereign – initially Bohemian King, and Szczerba. Among significant pieces of archaeological afterwards by less prestigious representatives of evidence collected during the field work, fragments Bohemian or Silesian nobility. From medieval of medieval armour are of exceptional value. documents we know that such small lordships According to the field inventories the entire in the region, were named after fortresses, f.e. assemblage consisted of 393 scales, larger plates lordship Karpenstein (Polish Karpień), lordship and armour buckles, which once belonged to coats
1Schnallenstein (Polish Szczerba), lordship Landfried of plates and brigandines . I was able to examine (Polish Homole). 374 pieces. The entire collection is kept in the
Castle under discussion is mentioned first Archaeological Museum in Wrocław. A selection time in written accounts under German name of characteristic types, their dimensions and other Schnallenstein in 1358, when a knight Otto Schuler distinctive features are presented in the catalogue. from the Lusatian family de Glubos (German: Finds were scattered all over the place, Glaubitz, Polish: Glaubicz) most probably inherited present in almost every single compartment of it from his father, also called Otto. The fortress the explored castle buildings. Most numerous suffered major damage during the fierce and assemblages were discovered in two areas: in devastating armed raid of the Hussites in 1428 proximity to the main gate (assemblage No. 1), (Grünhagen 1872, 143). Outdated defenses of the and in building II (assemblage No. 2), interpreted Kłodzko Basin castles were no match for the well by the researchers as a heated chamber with
2equipped Bohemian invaders, accustomed to the a storage space in the attic (Francke 2005, 101). principles of the most developed siege warfare It’s interesting to observe that the diffusion of
th th
MEDIEVAL ARMOUR FROM SZCZERBA CASTLE
1 Flexible or semi rigid type of armour consisting of overlapping scales or larger plates riveted to a textile or leather covering, so that only rivet heads are visible from the outside. Their coverings include buckskin, silk, velvet, linen, probably wool (Přichoda 1929, 111) or even cloth of gold (Granscay 1950, 186). Sometimes there were three layers of fabric – two of linen, hidden beneath an outer layer of dyed silk. Such construction occurred in the case of the 14 cent. brigandine from Tirol castle (Stadler 2004, 20).2 Walls of stone had an internal siding constructed of wooden logs.
th
finds is analogous to one recorded in the castles a civil war between the so called the Union of of the Kłodzko Basin, which met a similar fate Principalities and Towns commanded by William, at proximately the same time. A good example Duke of Opava and the mighty Bohemian war is Karpień castle (Germ. Karpenstein) near Lądek lord – Hinko Krušina of Lichnice – owner of the Zdrój. It was burnt down on 15 June 1443 during fortress. Most numerous pieces of armour for man and horse, spear and bolt-heads, a humeral human
bone within a mail hauberk sleeve were found in a compartment interpreted as an undercroft of the castle tower (Wehse 1883, 136-140). Although such an interpretation of the amateur archaeologists who conducted excavations in the ruins of Karpień is probably false, due to the relatively thin walls enclosing this area, we can assume that it was an important part of the castle, at least used for storage of arms and armour and hoped for as the last refuge by the besieged. The second assemblage of artefacts, similarly to one found in Szczerba castle, could also be the evidence for the last battle raging on, when the storming troops met the garrison after walls had been breached by siege engines. At Karpień, just like in the case of Szczerba a considerable number of military equipment pieces was found in the vicinity of the main gate. Especially noteworthy is the skeleton of a war horse, with four horseshoes in situ discovered in the courtyard at the castle gate of Karpień
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Fig. 1. Szczerba near Gniewoszów, Kłodzko distr. Layout Plan. armour finds: number of pieces; excavation season. Drawing by L. Marek.
Ryc. 1. Zamek Szczerba k. Gniewoszowa, pow. kłodzki. Plan stanowiska. – znaleziska fragmentów zbroi: liczba odkrytych zbrojników; sezon wykopaliskowy. Rys. L. Marek.
Castle –
N
0 10 m
COURTYARD
BUILDING I
BUILDING II
MAINGATE
1
320; 1990
30; 1989-1990
9
5; 1990
1; 1991
1
53; 1993
B
C
D
A GATE
Fig. 2. Szczerba , compartment C: clay wall siding with bolt-heads remaining. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 2. Zamek Szczerba, pomieszczenie C: fragment ściany budynku z wbitymi grotami bełtów. Fot. L. Marek.
Ryc. 3. Płaty – zbrojniki, pomieszczenie C: 1-1a – nr 29; 2 – nr 94; 3 – nr 30; 4 – nr 34; 5 – nr 33; 6 – nr 35; 7 – nr 34; 8 – nr 36. Fot. L. Marek.
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1 1a
2
3
4
5 6
7 8
89
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Fig. 4. Gauntlets and gauntlet scales: 1 No. 97; 2 – No. 96; 3 – No. 98; 4 – grave slab of Bolko I, St. Ann’s Chapel, Franciscans Church in Opole, 1380-1382; 5a – Jawor, Town Hall Tower, early 1390’s; 6 – grave slab of Bolko II, Cisterian monastery in Krzeszów; 7 – grave effigy of Henry VI in Wrocław. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 4. Rękawice i zbrojniki od rękawic: 1 – nr 97; 2 – nr 96; 3 – nr 98; 4 – płyta nagrobna Bolka I, kaplica św. Anny, kościół franciszkanów w Opolu, l. 1380-1382; 5a – Jawor, wieża ratuszowa, ok. 1390 r.; 6 – płyta nagrobna Bolka II, klasztor cystersów w Krzeszowie; 7 – nagrobek Henryka VI we Wrocławiu. Fot. L. Marek.
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0 2 cm1
2
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4
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(ibidem, 140) . As stated above, identical was walls of rooms B and C, very distinctive pieces of the role of both castles in the settlement structure armour were excavated. These belonged to a coat of the Kłodzko Basin. Once they were destroyed of plates and originally were riveted to a fabric the entire lordships (Schnallenstein and Karpenstein) lining from the inside, so that only rivet heads were ceased to exist. Probably the dramatic moments visible from the outside. Especially noteworthy are of the siege left their trace in archaeological record two examples of rectangular shaped plates, Nos. 29 at Szczerba. When the compartment C in building and 94 (see: Catalogue). They are relatively large I, had been explored, the archaeologists found for brigandine scales (8,9 x 7,3 and 7,6 x 9,2 cm), a piece of clay wall siding which was shot at, slightly convex with a 0,3-0,4 cm folded margin the crossbow bolt-heads still remaining in the along two sides (Fig. 3:1-2). The latter indicates that fragment (Fig. 2). Scattered around, within the these elements overlapped, like the roof shingles.
Ryc. 5. Brygantyna – zbrojniki, skupisko nr 1: 1 – nr 1; 2 – nr 2; 3 – nr 3; 4 – nr 4; 5 – nr 5; 6 – nr 6. Fot. L. Marek.
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3 In the original publication of the research results at Karpień castle (Wehse 1883) there are no drawings or photographs of the discovered invaluable arms and armour pieces. Despite of the intense of investigation in the archives I haven’t been successful in finding a sufficient documentation of these artefacts yet. Their appearance is unknown because they are missing since World War II.
91Medieval armour from Szczerba Castle
Most likely they formed the back or breast defense similar 19 pieces excavated at Bibentenburg of the armour. Rivet heads in both specimens under (Bibiton) castle, Kaltbrunn district in canton St. discussion were forged of iron in identical decorative Gallen (Leutenegger 2004, 98-99). They are also six foil form (Fig. 3:1a). Plausibly a similar shape provided with steel rosette shaped rivet heads, of the rivet heads could be used to identify elements originally with circular washers (Geßler 1944, 58). coming from the same set of armour; in this instance According to a reconstruction presented by Swiss a coat of plates. Space between the surface of plates scholars, the plates were arranged into six rows, and rivet heads, which is 1,5 mm, informs of the probably forming the breast defense (Leutenegger original thickness of fabric covering the armour 2004, fig. 14). Dimensions are similar to those of steel reinforcements. When seeking parallel finds in Szczerba finds. They are ranged from 11,3 x 7,4 cm the archaeological record one can identify strikingly to 6,5-8,0 x 8,0-11,0 cm.
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Fig. 6. Brigandine skirt hoops, assemblage No.1: 1 No. 7; 2 No. 8; 3 No. 9. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 6. Brygantyna – folgi od szorcy, skupisko nr 1: 1 – nr 7; 2 – nr 8; 3 – nr 9. Fot. L. Marek.
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Tinning was applied to the pieces found in found, probably due to the high temperature to Switzerland (Geßler 1944, 58). This was a widespread which they were exposed after the castle had been medieval technique used to prevent iron from set a fire. There is a considerable number of other
thcorroding. It was described by the early 12 -cent. brigandine elements from Szczerba that actually monk Teophilus in his work Diversarum Artium bear the trace of tinning. In many instances coating Schedula. Tin was melted down and mixed with is clearly visible, even without a magnifying glass. an animal fat. The heated liquid was suitable for Plates with rosette shaped iron rivet heads found tinning the iron objects which were then plunged in the ruins of Bibentenburg plausibly could be into it until they became in colour of bright silver related to the destruction of this castle in 1436-1450, (Teophilus Presbiter 1998, 162). Stainless metal during the so called Zurich wars (Leutenegger coating was essential for keeping a coat of plates 2004, 98). Description of a large breastpiece from in good state of preservation, and prevented a coat of plates found in the ruins of Karpień in the textile covering from molding (Laking 1920, the Kłodzko Basin, ruined in 1443, tells us that
4197-198) . Hidden between the layers of fabric it was also provided with the iron rosette headed the plates were exposed to damp conditions, caused rivets (Wehse 1883, 136). by bad weather and highly corrosive sweat of the There are also other rectangular specimens wearer. with the iron rosette rivet heads of an earlier date
In the case of the second one, above mentioned, (Grygiel, Jurek 1996, fig. 102:18), excavated at pieces from Szczerba, traces of tinning were not the Motte and Donjon type of the castle in Nowe
0
1
23
2 cm
Fig. 7. Brigandine plates, assemblage No.1: 1 No. 10; 2 No. 11; 3 No. 12. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 7. Brygantyna – zbrojniki, skupisko nr 1: 1 – nr 10; 2 – nr 11; 3 – nr 12. Fot. L. Marek.
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4 See also: B. Thordeman (2001, 105-106) about preventing stitches from molding, by sewing them to the copper alloy rings used in the certain parts of mail coifs. The iron corrosion products easily destroy the textile threads.
93Medieval armour from Szczerba Castle
Miasto on the Warta, Wielkopolska (west part placed on a silver stripe running obliquely across of Poland). It had been destroyed during the civil a blue background. According to one hypothesis, the war raging through Wielkopolska in 1383-1384 pieces from Nowe Miasto embellished with decorative (ibidem, 27, 90). Then the residence belonged to large iron rosettes, interspaced between ordinary a powerful Polish family of the Doliwa coat of arms. circular rivet heads, are related to the Doliwa coat The latter consists of three aligned heraldic roses of arms (ibidem, 86). A conclusion that the armour
Ryc. 8. Brygantyna – zbrojniki, skupisko nr 1: 1 – nr 13; 2 – nr 14; 3 – nr 16; 4 – nr 17; 5 – nr 18; 6 – nr 19; 7 – nr 20; 8 – nr 21; 9 – nr 22. Fot. L. Marek.
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could have belonged to one of the Doliwa lords most complete brigandine known, with long sleeves was drawn by the researchers (ibidem, 90). In our and cuishes, is that of the Emperor Maximilian I opinion it is highly probable that coats of arms in the Royal Armoury, Madrid. On the inside it such as badges, were also used by the retinue of bears on the heraldic arms of Austria and Burgundy. a lord in medieval Poland, just like it was a custom The rivets are stamped with the imperial eagle in Western Europe (Fiorato 2000, 3). Perhaps the (Grancsay 1942, 135-136).crescent applications (Nos. 101-103) recorded in There are certain instances of decorating the assemblage No. 1 at Szczerba, could be interpreted armour scales or hoops with symbols and characters as such badges (Fig. 27:13). of magic meaning. They served the wearer as
Heraldic elements are encountered on the a talisman believed to provide with additional finest brigandines worn by the elites. One of the protection against enemy weapons. The symbol of
0 2 cm
Fig. 9. Brigandine plates, assemblage No.1. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 9. Brygantyna – zbrojniki, skupisko nr 1. Fot. L. Marek.
95Medieval armour from Szczerba Castle
Agnus Dei, impressed upon every single plate One of the coats of plates found in the mass of the 15 -cent. brigandine kept in the Historical graves made after the battle of Wisby, Gotland Museum in Basel (Inv. No. HBM 1874.102) is (1361), is embellished with riveted applications most probably the case (Leutenegger 2004, 89). in the form of pilgrim’s shells. The latter led B. Brigandine from the Castle Museum in Darmstadt, Thordeman (2001, 229), to an assumption that the dated to the second quarter of the 15 cent., had owner of this defense participated in a pilgrimage many scales stamped with a fleur-de-lis. On this to the holy places, such as Santiago in Compostela, basis it has been considered to be of French origin Spain. However, in the past St. James’ shell was (Laking 1920, 196-197, fig. 542). Fleur-de-lis, not only regarded as a pilgrim’s badge, used by however, was a common symbol of Virgin Mary Christians traveling to Santiago. It became a more in the medieval world (see Nickel 1989, 43). universal symbol of war against the infidels in Therefore not necessarily was a maker’s mark. The Europe, since the battle of Covadonga (722) and significance of Virgin Mary’s cult to the knightly since the beginning of the re-conquest of Iberian culture of the Middle Ages is well known in the Peninsula. After several Christian victories over literature. Placing her symbol on an armour could the Muslims, and especially after the legendary be regarded as a form of prayer, by which the wearer battle of Clavijo (844) in Spain, St. James became was seeking a divine protection of this mighty the patron of war against the Moors. Subsequently patroness. A symbol of similar talismanic meaning the battle call: St. James – the son of thunder! appears on the late 14 -cent. mail shirt made in became popular among the crusading knights Iserlohn (Reid, Scot, Burgess 1960, 47-48). It is (Knapiński 1999, 426). In our opinion the shell a variant of Angelus prayer – a ring placed in the shaped application on Wisby armour could have most vulnerable part of armour with letters AM been a symbol of a crusader or merely of fighting (Ave Maria) stamped nine times upon it. for a decent cause. The presented above evidence
Ryc. 10. Brygantyna – zbrojniki, skupisko nr 1: 1 – nr 23; 2 – nr 24; 3 – nr 25; 4 – nr 26; 5 – nr 27; 6 – nr 28. Fot. L. Marek.
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shows clearly, that the maker’s marks are merely quarter of the 14 to the first half of the 15 cent. one category of symbols placed by the craftsmen on When investigating those finds one needs precaution the coat of plates or reinforcements of brigandine. though. The dating of the archaeological context
Similarities in shape and decoration as well informs us only of the use of armour in a period as corresponding chronology of both Silesian of time, but not necessarily of its first appearance. (Szczerba) and Swiss (Bibiton) finds allow us to We have an evidence which confirms, that decades draw a conclusion on the chronology of such armour or even centuries had to go by until distinct types of consisting of large rectangular plates with the rosette medieval military equipment, armour and weapons shaped iron rivet heads. It was popular in the last became totally outdated and unsuitable for war
th th
Fig.1 1. Brigandine plates, assemblage No.1 (without scale). Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 11. Brygantyna – zbrojniki, skupisko nr 1 (bez skali). Fot. L. Marek.
97Medieval armour from Szczerba Castle
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2 cm
2 cm
Fig. 12. Brigandine plates and badges, assemblage No.1. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 12. Brygantyna – zbrojniki i odznaki, skupisko nr 1. Fot. L. Marek.
Fig. 13. Brigandine plates, assemblage No.1, traces of tinning still remaining. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 13. Brygantyna – zbrojniki, skupisko nr 1, widoczne ślady cynowania. Fot. L. Marek.
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(see Głosek 1984, 30-31; Alexander 1985; Straube compartment C. The third piece (Fig. 4:3) 2006, 41-47). Therefore we can assume that the can be interpreted likewise, although there is type of armour scales found in Bibiton and Szczerba a possibility that it comes from a collar. could have been used at least from the mid 14 cent. Two pieces which raise no doubts are finger onwards. guards. The larger one (No. 96) is a knuckle
Apart from the two main assemblages of protection with two rivet heads on the convex armour plates from Szczerba castle, two side (Fig. 4:2). This informs of the gauntlet distinguishable gauntlet scales had been found in construction. Knuckle guard scales in this case
th
0 2 cm
Fig. 14. Brigandine plates, assemblage No.1. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 14. Brygantyna – zbrojniki, skupisko nr 1. Fot. L. Marek.
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were hidden under the fabric or leather lining. which are provided with rivets on the convex side Parallel to the piece from Szczerba are scales of – hidden underneath (ibidem, 421). The other the left gauntlet No. 3 excavated at a common piece from Szczerba has a single rivet on the outer grave dated to the battle of Wisby (Thordeman surface and is either a knuckle guard or a finger 2001, 419, figs 413-416). It differs from its Silesian scale (Fig. 4:1) used to secure other digit bones. counterpart by a slightly more pronounced dome Gauntlet No. 1 for the right hand from Wisby shape, and rivets placed on the concave side. The common grave consists of similar scales serving as latter indicates, as stated by Thordeman that most knuckle protection (ibidem, 414, figs 404-406). important parts, as the metacarpal plate, thumb Analogous digit guards belong to the gauntlet guard and finger-tip plates had been fastened on set 16 from Wisby common grave 2 (ibidem, 432, the outside of the fabric, while smaller scales fig. 426, 16:2).
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0 2 cm
1
2
Fig. 15. Coat of plates skirt hoops, assemblage No. 1: 1 No. 109; 2 No. 99. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 15. Płaty – folgi szorcy, skupisko nr 1: 1 – nr 109; 2 – nr 99. Fot. L. Marek.
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Similar gauntlet finds from the territory of Duke Władysław Opolczyk, an ally of the Teutonic Poland are not uncommon. They are strongly Knights against the king Władysław Jagiełło. The influenced by western European tradition of steel plate is decoratively engraved and bares the armourer’s craft. One can find fluted metacarpal traces of tinning (Nowakowski 1990, 82; Maik 1997, plates parallel to those found in common graves 22-23). Another fine example of the 14 cent. is of Wisby (Thordeman 2001, Nos. 2, 3:4). A superb the so called hourglass gauntlet excavated at example of such reinforcement was found in Czchów castle in Małopolska (south-east part Bolesławiec on the River Prosna, the castle destroyed of Poland). It consists of a cuff with metacarpal after siege set by Polish troops in 1396-1401 against plate, thumb plates, knuckle guards parallel to the
Ryc.16. Brygantyna – sprzączki, skupisko nr 1: 1 – nr 104; 2 – nr 105 (zbrojnik od sprzączki); 3 – nr 106; 4 – nr 107; 5 – nr 108. Fot. L. Marek.
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Medieval armour from Szczerba Castle
find of Szczerba, and finger scales (Szpunar, described by the ambiguous terms: hanczken Glinianowicz 2006, 139-140, fig 6). Finger tip (German) or chirothecis ferreis (Latin). These guards and scales dated to 1383-1384 were also names are well known from the lists of arms and excavated at already mentioned Nowe Miasto, armour of Brzeg in 1368 and 1375; Jawor in 1386, the lordly residence (Grygiel, Jurek 1996, 87, 127, 1402, 1414, Strzelin in 1371, and Legnica in 1404 fig 101:1-4). The half-ring shaped semicircular (Goliński 1990, 9). Regrettably, they tell nothing reinforcement with its three vertical rows of rivets about the technique of manufacture. Far more is analogous to the elements of Wisby gauntlet reliable are iconographic sources from the mid
th No. 2, described by Thordeman as the most to the turn of the 14 cent. Finger scales similar handsome of all found in this site. Other gauntlet to the pieces excavated at Szczerba could be elements were unearthed at the chapel of fallen in found on the grave slab of Henry VI, Wratislavian
5the battle of Grunwald, 1410 (Stębark, site No. 1). duke from the royal Polish Piast dynasty . This They could have belonged either to the ones effigy, which depicts excellently sculpted hourglass fighting on the Teutonic or Polish side of the gauntlets in detail is dated to 1350 (Fig. 4:7). Other conflict (Nowakowski 1990, 59). examples come from the grave slabs of Silesian
6Contemporary written accounts in Silesia, Piasts: Bolko I and Bolko II, the dukes of Opole . such as municipal arsenal inventories list gauntlets These sculptures were founded by Bolko III in
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Fig. 17. Coat of plates reinforcement (breastplate), assemblage No. 2: No. 43. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 17. Płaty – zbrojnik z napierśnika, skupisko nr 2: nr 43. Fot. L. Marek.
5 Located in the Piast dynasty Mausoleum, St. Clare and Hedwig’s Church, Wrocław, Bishop Nanker Square 16.6 St. Ann’s Chapel of the Franciscans Church in Opole.
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1380-1382, and it’s striking to find on them slightly decorating the Town Hall Tower in Jawor, Silesia different types of gauntlets (Fig. 4:4,6) – a situation (Fig. 4:5). They depict men at arms, knights reflected by the archaeological finds, where various and dukes wearing hourglass gauntlets with finger specimens occur in the same period of time, and scales (Fig. 4:5a). The effigies are dated to the in the identical context (Thordeman 2001, 231). early 1390’s.Details of military equipment must have been When summarizing the evidence, it becomes studied minutely and applied to these magnificent clear, that in spite of certain improvements, and pieces of the 14 -cent. art. It is curious to observe constant developments in the field of arms and on the effigy of Bolko II, a gauntlet (Fig. 4:6) armour, well-tested technical solutions had been which strikingly resembles the well known constantly employed for decades. That is probably specimens from the Wallace Collection (Laking the main reason why finding the 14 -cent. 1920, fig. 566, Mann 1962, 176-177, pl. 80), and counterparts to the gauntlet pieces used about 1428 the piece from Tannenberg castle (Laking 1920, at the siege of Szczerba castle is effortless.213), both dated to the last quarter of the 14 cent. Not as simple to identify as the above artefacts, One can also observe, the knuckle plates such as however not less interesting, are numerous lames these excavated at Szczerba castle, on the statues of brigandine found in the vicinity of the main
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Fig. 18. Coat of plates reinforcements, assemblage No. 2: 1 No. 37; 2 No. 42; 3 No. 38; 4 No. 39. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 18. Płaty – zbrojniki, skupisko nr 2: 1 – nr 37; 2 – nr 42; 3 – nr 38; 4 – nr 39. Fot. L. Marek.
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gate at Szczerba (assemblage No. 1). Most of them Among brigandine plates found in assemblage are heavily covered with gray or red fire patina, No. 1 there are elements that could be plausibly which preserved much of their original surface interpreted as parts of a hooped skirt of brigandine (Figs. 5-14). On the other hand, high temperature or coat of plates. I was able to examine four of them: to which they were exposed, melted down their tin Nos. 8-10 and 109 (Figs. 6:2-3; 7:1; 15); probably coating. Some in turn have considerable parts of there is one more, published by Cz. Francke (1999, the original tinning still preserved which extends to fig. 1:Z). All were slightly bent into a curve to the rivet heads, giving a highly decorative effect. follow the anatomy of the wearer. No. 7 is also Tinned rivet heads could easily imitate silver ones. forged out of a similar longitudinal iron stripe
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1
Fig.19. Coat of plates reinforcement, assemblage No. 2: 1 No. 40; 2 No. 41. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 19. Płaty – zbrojniki, skupisko nr 2: 1 – nr 40; 2 – nr 41. Fot. L. Marek.
– –
104
(Fig. 6:1). Probably it is a back defense placed letter r, the maker’s mark impressed upon the in the waist line and linking the back piece of inner surface of the breastplate. Furthermore, this a brigandine or coat of plates with the skirt. The characteristic also enabled researchers to date the piece is bent into two curves which meet at the specimen more precisely to 1380 (ibidem, 54).
thspinal area forming a ridge on the concave side. A nearly identical armour of late 14 -cent. date The dimensions of these elements range from was excavated at a cellar of storage building 12,5 to 44,0 cm in length, and from 2,3 to 2,6 cm of Herbede castle in the Ruhr, Germany, among in height, from 0,15 to 0,25 in thickness. other interesting pieces of military equipment,
7Late medieval coats of plates consisting of mainly used during tournaments (ibidem, 51-54) . large elements and hooped skirt are well known Archaeological evidence for the use of similar from Europe. One of the most quoted, well preserved defenses in Poland also dates to the last quarter of the
th example is a breastplate with a skirt in the Bavarian 14 cent. Late medieval motte and bailey castle in National Museum in Munich (inv. No. W 195). Siedlątków, Poddębice district, burnt down during the It is entirely covered with red velvet, secured civil war (1382-1386) is a site where such elements by golden headed rivets (Mann 1935, 77, fig. 2, of a cuirass were excavated (Kamińska 1968; Grancsay 1950, 179, Williams 2003, 54). Once it Nowakowski 1990, 67, Głosek 2002, 62). Three was kept in the castle armoury in Hohenschau, armour skirt hoops which were found there, are
8Landkreis Rosenheim, Germany (Peine 2004, 54, stamped with a Latin name Nicchols , interpreted fig. 9). Milanese workmanship of Hohenschau as an armourer’s mark (Głosek, Kajzer, Nadolski armour was asserted on the basis of a minuscule 1978, 90, pl. 49, cat. No. 207:2c).
1
2
3
4
5
Fig. 20. Coat of plates reinforcements, X-ray pictures, assemblage No 2: 1 No. 43; 2 No. 54; 3 No. 47; 4 No. 51; 5 No. 41. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 20. Płaty – zbrojniki, zdjęcia rentgenowskie, skupisko nr 2: 1 – nr 43; 2 – nr 54; 3 – nr 47; 4 – nr 51; 5 – nr 41. Fot. L. Marek.
– – – – –
7 The latest dated pieces of armour used for Gestech type tournament found in this assemblage come from c. 1420 (see: Peine 2004, 77).8 English: Nicolas.
105Medieval armour from Szczerba Castle
Lech Marek
1 2
3 4
5
Fig. 21. Coat of plates reinforcements, X-ray , assemblage No 2: 1 No. 52-53; 2 No. 64; 3 No. 50; 4 No. 48; 5 No. 45. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 21. Płaty – zbrojniki, zdjęcia rentgenowskie, skupisko nr 2: 1 – nr 52-53; 2 – nr 64; 3 – nr 50; 4 – nr 48; 5 – nr 45. Fot. L. Marek.
Ryc. 22. Płaty – zbrojniki kołnierza, skupisko nr 2: 1 – nr 47; 2 – nr 77; 3 – nr 51; 4 – nr 79; 5 – nr 52; 6 – nr 53; 7 – nr 58; 8 – nr 75. Fot. L. Marek.
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107Medieval armour from Szczerba Castle
The most striking resemblance to the shape of and never rebuilt. Dimensions of both Szczerba lames forming the skirt of the armour of Szczerba and Otepää armour skirt pieces are strikingly similar (cat. Nos. 7-10, 99, 109) can be found among (see ibidem, 112). Regularly trapezoid fragments 22 pieces discovered in Otepää castle, Estonia from Otepää (ibidem, 115, fig. 8:7-8) are identical (Mäesalu 2004, 112). This fortress was destroyed to lame No. 99 (Fig. 15:2) excavated at Szczerba during the conflict between the bishop of Tartu and castle. The main characteristic of such fragments, the Livonian Brethren of the Sword (ibidem, 106). unlike most of the skirt hoops, is that they did not The latter has breached the walls of the bishopric conform to the wearer’s anatomy, but were flat castle in 1396. Afterwards the fortress was undone instead. The latter resulted probably from the fact,
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1
2
3
0 2 cm
Fig. 23. Coat of plates reinforcements, assemblage No. 2: 1 No. 44; 2 No. 45; 3 No. 46. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 23. Płaty – zbrojniki, skupisko nr 2: 1 – nr 44; 2 – nr 45; 3 – nr 46. Fot. L. Marek.
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108
that these trapezoid elements constitute the lower part of the skirt (ibidem, 112), forming a reduced
9 brayette at the front. It is noteworthy that even small pieces,
such as brigandine scales and armour buckles from assemblage No. 1, Szczerba castle, have their direct typological counterparts among the above
thmentioned the 14 -cent. Estonian finds (ibidem, 114, fig. 7). The only lacking elements in Silesian set of armour under investigation are the large breastplates known from Otepää (ibidem, 111). It is
thworth mentioning that such a late 14 -cent. was found in the Teutonic Order’s castle in Mała Nieszawka, Toruń district, Poland, probably mistaken for a back-plate in the literature (Franczuk; Horbacz 1987, 223; Nowakowski 1994, 68, fig. 11). Examining the published photographs (Franczuk; Horbacz 1987, Figs. 1-6) and the original specimen I became increasingly convinced, that it could be interpreted plausibly as a back plate with it’s characteristic shape, which conforms to the human’s back anatomy (see: discussion below).
Five buckles from Szczerba castle (Fig. 16), 10available for investigation were used for buckling
up the armour by means of leather straps ranging from 3,1 to 4,0 cm in width. Some of them still have remaining brigandine scales attached. It is difficult to assert whether these buckles were used to strap armour parts in the spinal area at the back and at
ththe shoulders like in the case of the 15 -cent. brigandine from Musée d’art et d’histoire in Genf (Leutenegger 2004, 84, fig. 5-6). It could equally have been buckled up at one side or at the front. The latter mode of fastening is well known from iconographic sources dated to the first quarter of
th the 15 cent. (Beaufort-Spontin 2004, 130), and existing examples such as the brigandine of late
th 15 cent. from Basel (Leutenegger 2004, 88). A distinctive type of plates, slightly bent and
occasionally furnished with triple rows of rivets, excavated at Otepää, probably formed a shoulder defense – a rudimentary spaulder (Mäesalu 2004, 117, fig. 10-11). Almost identical pieces are represented by plates Nos. 6, 11, 16 and 24 from the assemblage No. 1 unearthed at Szczerba (Figs. 5:6; 7:2; 8:3; 10:2).
Most numerous are rectangular brigandine scales of about 1,7-1,6 height with one row of rivets placed asymmetrically, either on the left or right side, in certain instances symmetrically in the middle (Figs. 8; 11; 17:2). The rivet scheme indicates how plates were horizontally arranged
piece
Fig. 24. Coat of plates reinforcements, assemblage No. 2: 1 No. 67 (back plate, a – rivet heads highlighted in red, folding lines highlighted in white); 2 – No. 69; 3 – No. 73; 4 – No. 74. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 24. Płaty – zbrojniki, skupisko nr 2: 1 – nr 67 (naplecznik: na czerwono oznaczono główki nitów, a na biało linie wygięć zbrojnika); 2 – nr 69; 3 – nr 73; 4 – nr 74. Fot. L. Marek.
–
9 A defense used to protect the man’s testicles. Brigandine brayettes became most popular in the late 16 cent. (see: Grancsay 1942, 132).10 There is a total of 6. One more was on the permanent exhibition in the archaeological museum and is presented on fig. 11 (upper right corner).
th
109
in vertical rows and how they overlapped. Small asymmetric trapezoid scales, such as Nos.1 and 5 (Fig. 5:1,5) probably formed the outer edges of back or breastpiece in the waist line area. Such an interpretation is highly probable, as we know well preserved fragments of brigandines from the
th latter half of the 14 cent. in which asymmetric
Ryc. 25. Płaty – zbrojniki, skupisko nr 2: 1 – nr 48; 2 – nr 49; 3 – nr 50; 4 – nr 55; 5 – nr 54; 6 – nr 56; 7 – nr 57. Fot. L. Marek.
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110
trapezoid scales are placed directly on the edges brigandine originally was supplemented by larger of back defenses, near the waist (Stadler 2004, 20, iron back and breastplates, according to parallel figs 1-4). finds known from Europe (see: Scalini 2003).
Collected data referring to assemblage No. 1 Referring to the similar shape and dimensions of of Szczerba armour finds, confirms that these rivet-heads (0,5 cm in diameter) we can assume elements belonged to a brigandine or a coat of plates that almost all pieces found in assemblage No. 1 with a hooped skirt. It is more than likely that this had once formed the same suit of armour with
111
12
3 4
5
0 2 cm
Fig. 26. Coat of plates reinforcements, assemblage No. 2: 1 No. 59; 2 No. 60; 3 No. 62; 4 No. 63; 5 No. 64. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 26. Płaty – zbrojniki, skupisko nr 2: 1 – nr 59; 2 – nr 60; 3 – nr 62; 4 – nr 63; 5 – nr 64. Fot. L. Marek.
– – – – –
Medieval armour from Szczerba Castle
a textile or leather lining. The former being more most probably kept in building II (see: Fig. 1). The likely due to the relatively small space of average storage character of this structure could be asserted 0,15 cm between the rivet heads and the outer on the basis of archaeological evidence, consisting surface of scales. Naturally, all of the original of large amount of corn, straw negatives, sawdust, dimensions could be slightly altered by a thick pottery sherds (Francke 1999, 104; 2005, 101). coating of patina, which resulted from high What seems certain is that the pieces of armour temperature to which the armour elements were once belonged to a coat of plates. Traces of high exposed. It is difficult to ascertain without temperature are not easy to recognize on these any doubts, that this armour was engaged in the elements as in the case of assemblage No. 1. last dramatic events of 1428, that resulted the However, they were also excavated at the layers destruction of Szczerba castle. However, the location bearing clearly visible traces of fire. They are of assemblage No. 1, near the main castle gate so badly corroded, that even their X-rays show makes this hypothesis more plausible than in the only faint fragments of a metallic core inside case of other armour finds excavated at the fortress. (Figs. 20-21).
Parts of defenses from assemblage No. 2 were There are certain discrepancies among the found in a different context. Before the castle had actual number of pieces found in the assemblage been taken by the Hussites, the armours had been under investigation. In the field inventory attached
Lech Marek
0 2 cm
0 2 cm
1
2 3
4
5
6
7
8 9
1011 12
1314
Fig. 27. Brigandine plates and badges: 1 No. 95; 2-12 compartment C; 13 No. 101 (badge), assemblage No. 1; 14 building II. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc 27. Brygantyna – zbrojniki i odznaki: 1 – nr 95; 2-12 – pomieszczenie C; 13 – nr 101 (odznaka), skupisko nr 1; 14 – budynek II. Fot. L. Marek.
– – – –
112
to the unpublished excavation report from 1993, have survived in one piece to date. Unfortunately, 151 pieces of armour are listed. Francke (1999, 104) many armour plates from Szczerba still remain in stated that there were about 30 elements found in a poor state of preservation and require urgent building II. I had been able to trace 53. Pieces of professional conservation treatment. particular interest are elements of a hooped cuirass, Two half hoops forming the breastpiece once covered with leather or fabric (Figs. 17; 18:4; found in Szczerba castle are uncommon among 19:2). At least four half-hoops: two from the breast European finds. They have their exact counterparts and two from the backplate were excavated. Only three in B. Thordeman’s type I, armours represented by
0
0
5 cm
5 cm
Fig. 28. Brigandine plates, assemblage No. 1 and 2. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc 28. Brygantyna – zbrojniki: skupisko nr 1 i 2. Fot. L. Marek.
113Medieval armour from Szczerba Castle
(Leutenegger 2004, 94). Metallographic analysis of these artefacts undertaken by A. Williams revealed a relatively high carbon content in the pieces of Küssnacht armour and a microstructure which indicates that hardening heat-treatment was applied to them (Williams 2003, 336). This is quite unusual for the 14 -cent. armour found in German speaking area, as we know that the technique of obtaining armour elements of hardened steel was unknown to the north of the Alps until late 15 cent. (ibidem, 331-332). German craftsmen were way behind their northern Italian colleagues in obtaining high quality steel for armour production in the 14 cent. and needed almost a century to learn and master the process (Williams 2002, 52-53). Therefore an Italian manufacture of the Küssnacht armour is highly probable. Original properties, such as hardness of steel plates most likely were altered by high temperature in the case of Szczerba finds. The investigated breastpiece is 7,5 cm wide, 0,3 cm thick and 29 cm long, which fits well into the range of dimensions characteristic for Wisby type I coats of plates with breast defenses consisting of 5 horizontally arranged half-hoops (Thordeman 2001, 211,212). Rivets are aligned in one row and are provided with simple circular rivet heads, of 1,3 cm in diameter. The rivet pin’s outer surfaces glow brightly on the X-rays, while the core remains dark (fig. 20:1). This phenomenon (Figs. 20-21) could be explained by traces of original tin, or other non-ferrous metal coating still remaining. It also can be caused by a manufacture technique, similar to the one recorded in the case of Nowe Miasto find. When clinched together to fasten the fabric or leather covering of the coat of plates (Grygiel, Jurek 1996, 88), the rivet heads had to be hollowed out to take the pin. It is rather unlikely that the rivet pins were pipe-like – hollow inside.
But there is one main difference between Szczerba armour and it’s Swiss and Gothlandic counterparts. In the latter, not many measures were taken to protect the back. A simple, single row composed of large vertical plates provided the wearer with minimum safety, and was used
7 specimens found in Wisby mass graves more to fasten the armour (see: Thordeman 2001, (Thordeman 2001, 211-214). The only breast half plates 2-38). This scheme of arranging the elements hoop available for investigation was No. 43 from in a coat of plates is one of an early date. Statue of Szczerba (Fig. 17). St. Maurice of mid 13 cent. from the Cathedral
Similar elements of two or three armours were Museum in Magdeburg, Germany, is wearing excavated in Swiss Küssnacht castle in Schwyz a parallel armour to those of Thordeman’s type I, canton (Schneider 1984; Leutenegger 2004, 93-94, with a similar, reduced back defense (Nicolle 2002, fig. 12) from rubble filling the lower part of the 217, pl. XIII:28). The half hoops of Szczerba main tower. The stratum recorded in Küssnacht, (Nos. 39, 41) of 0,3 cm thick probably formed more which contained half hoops and helm is dated to reliable back protection. They are characteristic in the destruction of the fortress in 1351, during the profile, provided with a spinal, median ridge on the war between Austria and the Union of Cantons concave side, which conforms to the human’s back
th
th
th
th
Lech Marek
Fig. 29. Coats of plates in Silesian art: 1 frescos, church in Kałków, Nysa distr., late 14 cent.; 2 – effigy of Henry VI from Wrocław, St. Clare and Hedwig’s Church, Wrocław, Bishop Nanker Square 16, a – rivet heads. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 29. Płaty w sztuce śląskiej: 1 – freski, kościół w Kałkowie, pow. Nysa, koniec XIV w.; 2 – nagrobek Henryka VI z Wrocławia, kościół pw. św. Klary i św. Jadwigi, Wrocław, pl. Biskupa Nankera 16, a – główki nitów. Fot. L. Marek.
–th
1
2
114
anatomy (Figs. 18:4; 19:2). They are also furnished Coat of plates from assemblage No. 2 seems with the rivet heads of circular shape and of similar to be more archaic armour in comparison to the dimensions to the breast half hoop. Possibly also previously analyzed elements of brigandine excavated a heart shaped plate (No. 67) could be interpreted at the castle’s courtyard (assemblage No. 1). In both as a back defense (Fig. 24). instances these are specimens characteristic for the
Again, similar pieces are known from the late 14 -cent. tradition of armour production, what has 14 - and early 15 -cent. contexts all across Europe. been proven by quoting numerous examples of their One was found in a treasure trove of armour in Western European counterparts. Chalcis castle, Euboea island, Greece (Ffoulkes A great deal has been written about the origin 1911, 388, pl. 54). Another dated to the 14 /15 of coat of plates and brigandines in Western Europe. cent. comes from an archaeologically investigated The idea of flexible but durable armour, reinforced motte and bailey site in Borówek, Łowicz district, with pieces of metal, first appeared in a deep Poland (Nadolski, Kosiorek 1986, 34-40). Similar antiquity. Initially it was Egyptian scale armour finds were recorded in the Museum of Nachod, produced in the first centuries of the second the Czech Republic (ibidem, 38), Helfenstein castle millennium B.C. Assyrians developed and spread in Württemberg, Germany (Stadler 2004, 26, fig. 4), the lamellar type of armour (Robinson 2002, 1-2, 7, and among other pieces of armour unearthed at figs. 1, 2:A, 4). D. Nicolle more recently published Milan’s Via Sta Caterina St. in 1889 (Gamber, an exhaustive study about the evolution of European Thomas 1976, 59). coat of plates and brigandine. The author presented
The position of other parts of armour found documentary evidence for early use of the coat of in assemblage No. 2 remains ambiguous. plates in the 13 -cent. Italy (Nicolle 2002, 213) from
Puzzling are the half-crescent shaped plates where it most probably originated and spread across (Nos. 37, 42) which could have formed a defense medieval Europe. Iconographic sources first appeared resembling a gorget (Fig. 18:1-2). Most probably in the late 12 and early 13 cents. in illuminated the rows of vertically arranged small rectangular manuscripts from France or northern Iberian pieces from Szczerba still attached to each other Peninsula (ibidem, 216, pl. XIII:25). D. Nicolle also (47, 49, 51-53, 58, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81) are the presented a well documented thesis that the hooped elements of a collar (Fig. 22), similar to the known cuirass of medieval coat of plates could have been from numerous the 15 -cent. Italian and Spanish inspired by the long established version of Middle brigandines (Scalini 2003, fig. 6, 11:b). A superb Eastern, Islamic jawshan. The latter was composed Italian example of such an armour, with a spinal row of hoops made of hardened leather. Specimens of plates imitating the shape of human vertebrae of this type, richly decorated with polychrome is kept in Museo Poldi Pezzoli in Milan (ibidem, painting and dated to the early 13 cent., are kept fig. 5). Certain parts of Szczerba armour are probably in a private collection (ibidem, 205, pl. XIII:20). shattered, corroded fragments of cuirass hoops. The striking resemblance of these Islamic pieces Rectangular plates with all four edges preserved, to the elements of the 14 -cent. European armours strongly bent, most likely formed the upper chest from Wisby or Küssnacht, hardly could be regarded defense or were used to protect the shoulders as a coincidence. Plausibly the idea of a hooped (Figs. 18:3; 19:1; 23:1). cuirass reappeared in Europe via Italy as a result
Two relatively well preserved (No. 45) of contacts with the Islamic world. examples remain attached to each other (Fig. Simultaneously, the influence of Mongolian 23:2). lamellar armour on the development of defenses
Most of the pieces found in assemblage consisting of plates arranged into vertical rows in No. 2 in Szczerba castle, apart from the above German speaking areas of Europe has been often mentioned collar fragments, have analogous circular stressed in the literature (Thordeman 2001, 290; rivet heads of approximately the same diameter – Nicolle 2002, 214). Skeptical to Mongolian origin 1,2-1,3 cm. They are also similarly clinched together of medieval, brigandines and coats of plates was as shown on X-rays of the most characteristic J. Kalmár (1960, 240), who wrote that the latter elements from the collection (Figs. 20-21). Parallel were indigenous European developments rather features of the rivets, usually indicate that particular than the nomadic ones. pieces once belonged to the same set of armour. In According to D. Nicolle’s opinion (2002, 221) our opinion this is the case of Szczerba assemblage Western European craftsmen adopted the concept No. 2. However, we cannot exclude the possibility of semi rigid armour from the Islamic world rather that artefacts from the castle originally stored in than directly copied a type of defense. The same building II, belonged to the several incomplete could be in a case of Mongolian influences on suits of armour or spare parts. the armourer’s craft in Northern and Central Europe.
th
th th
th th
th
th th
th
th
th
115Medieval armour from Szczerba Castle
Much has been said about the origin of coats use during the 17 cent. It proved to be the most of plates and brigandines; less about the period of efficient type of defense in the battles against the time when they were successfully employed in native people in the New World, for it stopped a battle. Flexible, textile armour reinforced with iron the arrows, unlike the mail, which was penetrated plates had its certain advantages and was still in and the plate from which the projectiles rebound
th
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1
2
3a
3b
Fig.30. Coats of plates in Silesian art: 1 altar, Knights Hospitaller’s church, Strzegom, Warsaw’s National Museum (Inv. No. Śr. 297), 1486-1487; 2 – painting , Warsaw’s National Museum (inv. No. Śr. 466); 3a-b – effigy of a nobleman, Mary Magdalene’s church, Wrocław, 17 cent. Photo by L. Marek.
Ryc. 30. Płaty w sztuce śląskiej: 1 – ołtarz, kościół Szpitalników, Strzegom, Muzeum Narodowe w Warszawie (nr inw. Śr. 297), l. 1486-1487; 2 – obraz Ecce Homo, Muzeum Narodowe w Warszawie (nr inw. Śr. 466); 3a-b – nagrobek arystokraty, kościół św. Marii Magdaleny, Wrocław, XVII w. Fot. L. Marek.
–Ecce Homo
th
116
dangerously (Straube 2006, 46). Therefore the and simplified to actually identify a specific type demand of Spanish and English colonists for the of defense. More precise is the representation of
11jacks of plates , brigandines and coats of plates a coat of plates on the effigy of the same duke became less surprising. After the massacre of Henry VI from c. 1350. It is curious to observe colonists by the Indians on 22 March 1622 in that the Duke’s poleyns of plate are surrounded settlements along the River James in Virginia, 100 with rows of rivets suggesting a brigandine system brigandines, 40 jacks of plates and 400 coats and of construction (Fig. 29:2). Another good example shirts of mail were shipped from England to the of a coat of plates in Silesian art comes from the late
th colonists as a royal bequest (Grancsay 1942, 132; 14 cent. The man at arms depicted on the frescos Straube 2006, 33). Numerous examples of such in the church in Kałków village, Nysa district, is armour have been excavated at Fort James in wearing a houndskull bascinet and a bulbous breast Virginia (Straube 2006, 41-47). It is noteworthy, plate with skirt, covered with fabric (Fig. 29:1). The that the archaeological evidence was collected for latter is studded with clearly distinguishable rivets. the peculiar mode of recycling the useless plate In the literature there is a common opinion that armour by the colonists. They fashioned some of the coats of plates, composed of the large steel
th ththe breastplates into cooking pots (ibidem, fig. 3). reinforcements are earlier than the 15 - and 16 -cent. thAn excellent find of the 14 -cent. medieval European brigandines. In general we can agree with this
armour scales was recorded near Aztec, New Mexico statement. However, Silesian pieces of art prove (see: Rogers, Rocca La 1999, 230). Unfortunately that the hooped coat of plates could have remained
th not all of the estimated number of 500 elements in use well into the 15 and even to the beginning th could be properly investigated, because the site was of the 16 cent. A good example of such armour has
not sufficiently protected against treasure hunters been depicted on the altarpiece from the Knights (ibidem, 221, 224). A relatively well preserved Hospitaller’s church in Strzegom, dated to 1486-brigandine back defense fragment dated to 1530, 1487 (Fig. 30:1).has been unearthed at the Indian’s site near Panama Another representation one can find on City, Florida (Peterson 1956, 145, fig 158). a painting Ecce Homo from 1513, created by the
so called master of the Passion cycle from Góra * * * Śląska (Fig. 30:2). Both pieces of art are kept in
The use of coats of plates in Medieval Warsaw’s National Museum (inv. Nos. Śr. 297 and Silesia is well documented by written accounts, 466). Coat of plates covering the whole body is also iconographic sources and archaeological data. known from another Silesian altarpiece from 1513,
The most interesting documents concerning already published in the third volume of AMM the subject were analyzed by M. Goliński (1999), (see: Marek 2007, 224, fig. 5:b). There is even
thwho proved that a certain number of coats of the 17 -cent. representation of a coat of plates in plates ordered by the Holy Emperor Charles IV Silesian art (Fig. 30:3). It is not a big surprise to king of Bohemia in Nürnberg and Sulzbach in 1362, find, that men at arms depicted in Silesian art are for the expected war against the anti Luxembourg wearing helmets covered with fabric and furnished coalition in Bohemia, was subsequently delivered with rivets (Fig. 30:1-2). Medieval craftsmen actually to Silesia in 1370; first to Wrocław and then to the produced such helmets, which is confirmed not castles of Kluczbork, Uraz and Namysłów located only by surviving examples (Angermann, Poyer along the Polish border. The latter preparations 2004, figs. 4, 40, 45) but also by documents. were also related to expected war with Kazimierz In 1322 the Armourers’ Company of London the Great, king of Poland over Silesia. None of had a regulation that no armourer should attempt to the anticipated conflicts actually occurred. It is sell basinets covered with fabric, but should show worth mentioning that the ordered coats of plates them uncovered, so that the workmanship might were packed for transport in wooden barrels (ibidem, be seen (Grancsay 1950, 179). 133). A reliable iconographic evidence about using The use of brigandines and coats of plates the coats of plates in Silesia is recorded for the in medieval Silesia is also well documented in
th 14 cent. The seal of Henry II from 1228-1234 archaeological records. Most of the pieces are which is treated by some scholars as the earliest known from the castles in the so called Czech representation of such armour in the region Silesia in the Czech Republic. Iron reinforcements (Nowakowski 1990, 65), when examined more of brigandines and coats of plates have been carefully, appears to be a depiction too schematic excavated at the castles Cvilín, Koberštejn,
11 A version of a textile armour cheaper than the brigandine, in which the metal plates are sewed in rather than riveted.
117Medieval armour from Szczerba Castle
Leuchtenštejn, Vartnov, Vikštejn and Rychleby have their exact, Western European counterparts th (Kouřil, Prix, Wihoda 2001, figs. 25:8-10, 155:12, dating to the second half of the 14 cent. Nevertheless,
173, 244, 277:11). The armour finds from these sites they probably were still used for the battle in th are usually dated to the 15 cent, and related to 1428. The latter doesn’t mean that Silesia was
the Hussite wars, or to the conflict with Matthias a countrified region in the reception of most up Corvinus. Neither contains such a great number of to date trends in military technology. It merely pieces as the Szczerba collection. Two brigandine illustrates a common practice of medieval warriors, scales were excavated at Silesian Gryżów castle, depending on well tested and most efficient Nysa district (Romiński 1980, 107-108, pl. 27:5-6). types of armour as long as they met the standards
and requirements of the contemporary art of war. * * * The collection from Szczerba castle is unique in
Coats of plates and brigandines were well quality and quantity of armour pieces. Therefore it th known in Silesia at least from the 14 cent. deserves attention and further thorough investigation.
onwards. The long use of such defenses, even For now, I have decided that, because of the lacking beyond the medieval period is well documented by data, it is too early to present a reconstruction pieces of art, written accounts and archaeological of armour suits from Szczerba. Without sufficient data in the region. information, such as the evidence recorded
thIt is common for coats of plates of the 14 -cent. during the excavations in Wisby, it would not be th date to be still used in the 15 cent. Nearly all pieces difficult to produce unintentionally a misleading
recorded during the excavations in Szczerba castle result.
12
Lech Marek
12 The Rychleby find is known from an article by (Přichoda 1929) as consisting of 16 scales. Thorough investigation undertaken by V. Goš increased the number of known pieces to 20 (Kouřil, Prix, Wihoda 2001, 318).
27
28
0,1
rectangular
rectangular
0,15
0,5
0,5
0,15
0,15
1
5
3,2
4,4
1,55
1,6
Catalogue of armour pieces from Szczerba
shape thicknessNo h ighte widthrivet head diameter
rivet tang (peg) diameter
Number of rivets
etimated thickness of the textile covering
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
1,6
1,6
1,6
1,6
1,6
1,65
1,6
1,6; 1,8
4,6 0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,5
0,5
0,5
0,5
0,5
0,5
0,5
6 0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
1,6
1,7
6,2 0,15
0,15
0,15
0,15
0,15
0,15
0,1
0,15
0,15
0,5
0,5-0,8
9 0,1-0,15
8,1 13 rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
2,3
2,3
6,8 0,2
0,2
0,2
0,7 0,25
0,25
2
2
0,15
0,15
0,15
0,15
0,15
0,15
0,15
0,15
0,15
0,15
0,15-02
3,1
3 3,4 4 0,2
2,5
2,5
14,2 0,25 0,3
0,3
0,3
0,3
0,3
15
15
longitudinal
longitudinal
longitudinal
longitudinal
16,5
2,4 12,4 0,2 8
813
2,7 9,5 0,5
0,5
0,5
0,5
0,5
0,5
0,5
0,5
0,5
0,5
0,5
0,4-0,5
0,4-0,5
0,2
0,2
0,2
0,2
0,2
20
8
5
6
6
212,8
7,15
6,1
6,8
6,15
5,1
1,5
1,55
1,7
1,6
7,1
7,1
8,6
8,3
5,85
7,4
6,1
1,5
0,125
0,15
0,15
0,4-0,45 14
9
11
6
6
6
8
0,4
0,4
6,91,6
2
4
4
6
4,9
2,8
1,4
1,5
118
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,12
0,12
0,1
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
0,25
0,15
0,15
0,15
0,3
0,3
0,3
0,3
0,3
0,3
0,3
0,3
0,3
0,3
0,3
0,3
crescent
crescent
0,5
0,5 0,5
0,95
0,2
0,2
0,2
0,15
0,15
0,4
5
17,38,9
0
0
0
3
2
2
1
1
1
0,65
0,6-0,8
0,8
0,6
1; 2,9
1-1,3
1,2
1,2 4
7,6 3,5
2,2 7,9
2,4 4,3
0,25 3,5
2,1 3,4
2,3 2,7
0,9 5,2
6,45 11,9
6,1 14
6,7 18
6,35 13
6,5 12,2
1
3
2
2
1
6
2
3
3
4
4
4
1
20,6
1,3
1,4-1,7
1,1-1,3
1,1-1,3
1,2-1,3
1,5
0,7
0,8-1,2
1,35
0,6-0,9
0,7-0,9
0,6
1,15
1,15
0,4
0,4
0,4
0,45
8,56,5
6,5
7,5 29
13,5
6,35; 6,4 14; 14
8,1 7,5
1,6 each
1,7 each
1,7 each
5,4
8,3 11
5,9 5,1
6,35 9
1,65 5,4
5,5
3,9; 6,6
4,15; 4,9
6
10,5
8,6
shape thicknessNo h ighte widthrivet head diameter
rivet tang (peg) diameter
Number of rivets
etimated thickness of the textile covering
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
4
4
2
3 rectangular
1
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
2
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
rectangular
polygonal
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
trapezoid
irregular
rectangular
trapezoid
5
3
3
6,6
5,7
1,85
6,3
6,6
6,5
7,9
8,3
6,4
6,4
6,4
6,7
6,8
6,5
4,1
3,2; 5,1
4,6
1,6; 1,7; 2,4
9,5
10,2
5,7
9,3
5,4
4,8
8,8
7,8
10,5
10,8
8,5
7,1
8,5
5,2
8,3
3,2; 6,15
6,1
0,4
0,2
0,3
0,3
0,3
0,3
0,2
0,4
0,4
0,4
0,4
0,4
0,3
0,35
0,35
0,4
0,4
0,45,5
1,1-1,2
1,2
0,8-1,5
1,15
1,1-1,2
1,2
1,1
1,1-1,2
1,1-1,4
1,5
1,1
1
0,5-1,3
1,3
0,7-1,2
0,7
0,7
1
0,4
0,4
0,4
0,5
5,1 6,6 0,35
1,7 each 8,2 0,3
6,2 5,8 0,4
1,5 each 6,1 0,3
4,55 6,1 0,4
1,7 each 5,6 0,3
6,5 4,9 0,4
3,5 3,5 0,65
6,5 6,4 0,45
3,45 4,55 0,3
4,2 3,1 0,4
4,6 5 0,4
3,1 3,9 0,3
3,2 3,2 0,35
88 0 irregular3,5 4,2 0,35
119Medieval armour from Szczerba Castle
Alexader D.G.1985 European Swords in the Collections of Istanbul. Part 1. Swords from the Arsenal of Alexandria, Waffen
und Kostümkunde 27, pp. 81-118.Angermann Ch. Poyer M.
2004 Konserwatorische Bestandsaufnahme der Brigantinen im Kunsthistorischen Museum in Wien, [in:] Das Brigantinen-Symposium auf Schloss Tirol, t. 3, ed. K.Spindler, pp. 78-103.
Beaufort-Spontin Ch.2004 Zum Brigantinen-Bestand in der Hofjagd- und Rüstkammer des Kunsthistorischen Museums in Wien,
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Wrocław, pp. 97-101. Franczuk R. Horbacz T.J.
1987 Fragmenty późnośredniowiecznej zbroi z zamku krzyżackiego w Małej Nieszawce, Kwart.HKM 35/2, pp. 219-234.
Gamber O., Thomas B.1976 Katalog der Leibrüstkammer. I Theil. Der Zeitraum von 500 bis 1530, Wien.
Geßler E.A. 1944 Die Plättchenharnisch von Bibiton, Schweizerisches Landesmuseum in Zürich 53, pp. 57-62.
Głosek M.1984 Miecze środkowoeuropejskie z X-XV wieku, Warszawa.2002 Recherches archéologiques sur les forgesdans dans les fortifications médiévalles en bois et terre en
Pologne, FAH 13-14, pp. 59-64.
Lech Marek
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109 longitudinal
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
circular
crescent
crescent
crescent
2
53
2
0
2
1
2
0
0
0
0
5
?
0,5
0,6
0,5
0,9
0,4
0,4
0,5
0,6
0,5
2,2 2,2 0,05
5,4 2,3 0,05
2,6 21,8 0,2
3,3 7,1 0,2
2,5 3,8 0,2
2,8 2,6 0,1
2 3,8 0,1
4,8 6,4 0,3-0,4
3,1 5,4
3,4 3,6 0,2-0,4
3,6 4,3 0,3-0,4
4,9 7,5 0,3
2,6 36 0,2
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
0
0
0
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
trapezoid
1
0
1
2
1,1
0,8
0,5
3,3 4,9 0,35
4,7 4,5 0,4
4,3 2,9 0,3
4 3,5 0,4
3,9 2,3 0,3
7,6 9,2 0,2
3,7 7 0,1
2,7 2,6 0,0596 trapezoid0,5 1
shape thicknessNo h ighte widthrivet head diameter
rivet tang (peg) diameter
Number of rivets
etimated thickness of the textile covering
dr Lech MarekInstytut Archeologii Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego
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La
Lech Marek
Streszczenie
Lech Marek
ŚREDNIOWIECZNA ZBROJA Z ZAMKU SZCZERBA
Zamek Szczerba, zlokalizowany niedaleko wsi z XIV-XV w. W latach 1986-1996 przeprowadzono tu Gniewoszów w Kotlinie Kłodzkiej, pełnił w śred- trwające 10 sezonów badania archeologiczne, kiero-niowieczu zarówno strategiczną rolę militarną, jak wane przez mgr. Czesława Francke. W trakcie prac i ośrodka związanego z kształtowaniem się osadnic- archeologicznych udokumentowano m.in. warstwy po-twa w regionie. Warownia zbudowana na wzniesieniu żarowe związane ze zniszczeniem zamku. Spośród o wysokości 530 m n.p.m. umożliwiała kontrolę nad zabytków odkrytych na zamku wyróżnia się zespół szlakami handlowymi prowadzącymi z Czech, przez militariów, w tym folg, płyt i mniejszych zbrojników dolinę Dzikiej Orlicy i dalej w kierunku Śląska. Po raz pochodzący z brygantyn oraz płatów. Zgodnie z infor-pierwszy zamek wymieniono w źródłach pod nazwą macjami zawartymi w sprawozdaniach z badań, zna-Schnallenstein w 1358 r., kiedy rycerz Otto Schuler leziono 393 fragmenty zbroi oraz pochodzące od nich z łużyckiej rodziny de Glubos (Glaubicz) odziedziczył sprzączki. Autorowi udało się dotrzeć do 374 zabytków. te dobra najprawdopodobniej po swoim ojcu, także Cała kolekcja przechowywana jest w Muzeum Archeo-o imieniu Otto. Warownię zniszczono w 1428 r. pod- logicznym we Wrocławiu. Wydzielony zespół charak-czas rejzy husyckiej i nigdy nie odbudowano, dzięki terystycznych zbrojników przedstawiono w Katalogu.czemu można zaobserwować w terenie względnie do- Omawiane znaleziska występowały na całym te-brze zachowane ruiny oraz oryginalny plan warowni renie objętym badaniami, prawie w każdym pomiesz-
122
czeniu założenia obronnego. Wyraźnie rysujące się sku- stawione na płycie nagrobnej Henryka VI Wrocław-piska zbrojników odkryto jednak w dwóch miejscach: skiego z 1350 r. oraz nagrobkach książąt Opolskich w pobliżu bramy zamkowej (skupisko nr 1) oraz w bu- Bolka I i Bolka II z l. 1380-1382. Przegląd dostępnych dynku nr II (skupisko nr 2). Murowany budynek II źródeł dotyczących rękawic skłania do wniosku, że po-zinterpretowano, na podstawie stwierdzonego podczas mimo zauważalnego postępu w dziedzinie produkcji badań drewnianego wyłożenia ścian, jako tzw. ciepłą broni, użytkownicy uzbrojenia bardzo długo polegali na izbę. O funkcji magazynowej tego pomieszczenia mo- dobrze sprawdzonych rozwiązaniach technicznych. Od-gą świadczyć liczne pozostałości przepalonego zboża nalezienie analogii w materiale zabytkowym z XIV w. występujące w nawarstwieniach. do części rękawic używanych jeszcze ok. 1428 r. nie
Szczególnie interesujące okazały się również frag- jest zatem szczególnie zaskakujące. menty zbroi typu płaty znalezione w pomieszcze- Zbrojniki ze skupiska nr 1 pochodzą najprawdo-niach B i C budynku I. Dwa prostokątne egzemplarze, podobniej z brygantyny lub płatów zaopatrzonych nr. 29 i 94, zaopatrzono w stalowe nity o rozetkowa- w folgowy fartuch. Podobny kształt oraz wymiary ni-tych główkach. Podobny kształt główek wskazuje, że tów (0,5 cm średnicy) poszczególnych elementów od-te elementy płatów pochodzą z jednego kompletu krytych w skupisku nr 1 mogą świadczyć, że mamy do zbroi. Analogiczne zbrojniki wydobyto z ziemi pod- czynienia z płytkami należącymi do tego samego czas badań na zamku Bibentenburg (Bibiton), w kan- kompletu zbroi. Analogie do większości elementów tonie St. Gallen, zniszczonego w 1. połowie XV w. występują w zespole zabytków datowanych na okres Zgodnie z rekonstrukcją zaproponowaną przez bada- przed 1396 r., a odnalezionych w zamku Otepää, czy szwajcarskich płytki ułożone były w pancerzu w Estonii. Gruba patyna ogniowa występująca na w sześciu rzędach i stanowiły najprawdopodobniej część większości zbrojników ze skupiska nr 1 świadczy, napierśnika. Szwajcarskie zabytki nosiły ślady cynowa- że zbroja, z której pochodziła większość elementów, nia. Zabieg ten, niezwykle często stosowany w średnio- została zniszczona przez pożar w czasie oblężenia wieczu do zabezpieczenia przeciw korozji elementów zamku w 1428 r. Trudno z całą pewnością stwier-stalowych zbroi, ukrytych między warstwami tekstyl- dzić, czy należała do wojownika biorącego udział nymi, zapobiegał również niszczeniu tkaniny przez w walkach, czy też była przechowywana w zamku. szkodliwe produkty korozji żelaza. Mimo że w przy- Wydaje się jednak, że lokalizacja znaleziska w pob-padku omawianych dwóch fragmentów zbroi ze Szczer- liżu bramy zamkowej może przemawiać za pierwszą by nie stwierdzono cynowania, można przypuszczać, z wymienionych możliwości. że pierwotnie zaopatrzono je w taką powłokę, która Fragmenty zbroi ze skupiska nr 2 znaleziono jednak rozpuściła się w wyniku działania wysokiej w zupełnie innym kontekście. Prawdopodobnie były temperatury podczas pożaru zamku. Na innych frag- one przechowywane w budynku II podczas oblężenia mentach brygantyny i płatów ślady cyny są widoczne zamku. Wszystkie zabytki pochodzą ze zbroi typu płaty. nawet nieuzbrojonym okiem. Podobieństwa w wy- Ślady przepalenia nie są tak widoczne na fragmen-miarach, kształcie nitów oraz chronologii okazów ze tach udokumentowanych w pierwszym skupisku, choć Szczerby oraz Bibiton w Szwajcarii skłaniają do wnios- wszystkie wydobyto z warstw pożarowych. Większość ku, że płaty z rozetkowatymi główkami nitów używane jest tak skorodowana, że nawet na zamieszczonych były jeszcze w 1. połowie XV w., chociaż wiadomo, zdjęciach rentgenowskich widoczne są nikłe ślady że datowanie ich sięga co najmniej XIV w. Z tego czasu rdzenia metalowego. Folgi, które tworzyły napierśnik pochodzą bowiem przykładowe znaleziska z rezyden- i naplecznik ze Szczerby, są analogiczne do elemen-cji Doliwów w Nowym Mieście oraz zamku Küssnacht tów zbroi (typ I wg Thordemana) z masowych mogił w Szwajcarii. Mając na uwadze liczne dowody na poległych pod Wisby w 1361 r. oraz wspomnianego długi okres użytkowania w średniowieczu i czasach zamku Küssnacht w kantonie Schwyz zniszczonego nowożytnych tych samych, dobrze sprawdzonych ok. 1351 r. Płaty ze skupiska nr 2 wydają się być bar-typów uzbrojenia, nawet na przestrzeni ponad 100 lat dziej archaicznym typem zbroi niż wcześniej ana-(Głosek 1984, 30-31; Alexander 1985; Straube 2006, lizowane elementy. Podobne zbroje z napierśnikami, 41-47), nie możemy traktować zbrojników ze Szczer- skonstruowanymi z poziomo ułożonych folg pojawiają by jako bardzo precyzyjnych datowników. Prawdo- się w zachodniej Europie w XIII w. podobnie opisane dwa fragmenty zbroi mogły nale- Na podstawie przedstawionych w niniejszym żeć do kompletu, używanego co najmniej od połowy artykule dowodów można stwierdzić, że płaty popu-XIV w. larne były na Śląsku i ziemi kłodzkiej co najmniej
Poza wspomnianymi głównymi skupiskami, w po- od XIV w. Długotrwałe użytkowanie tego typu zbroi, mieszczeniu C znaleziono także dwie płytki chroniące także w czasach nowożytnych, dobrze dokumentują palce, pochodzące z krytych rękawic. Trzeci element źródła ikonograficzne, historyczne oraz archeologicz-o podobnej grubości blachy prawdopodobnie także ne z omawianego terenu. Jeszcze w XV w. wyko-stanowi osłonę ręki, choć nie można całkowicie wy- rzystywano płaty wykonane według wzorów XIII- kluczyć, że jest częścią kołnierza. Analogie do tych i XIV-wiecznych. Prawie wszystkie zbrojniki odkryte elementów najliczniej reprezentowane są wśród za- podczas badań zamku Szczerba mają analogie w XIV-bytków z masowych mogił związanych z bitwą pod wiecznych elementach uzbrojenia ochronnego znale-Wisby na Gotlandii z 1361 r. Występują także w iko- zionych na terenie zachodniej Europy. Wykorzystywa-nografii z terenu Śląska. Dobrymi przykładami tak nie ich podczas działań wojennych w 1. połowie XV w. ukształtowanych osłon ręki są również rękawice przed- nie jest jednak świadectwem opóźnienia ziemi kłodzkiej
123Medieval armour from Szczerba Castle
Lech Marek
w recepcji najnowszych trendów techniki wojskowej. miejsce szczególne na mapie europejskich znalezisk Dowodzi jedynie, że równolegle z wprowadzanymi średniowiecznego uzbrojenia ochronnego. Zasługuje systematycznie innowacjami funkcjonowały w uzbro- zatem na dalszą, wnikliwą analizę.jeniu średniowiecznym dobrze sprawdzone rozwiąza-nia. Kolekcja militariów z zamku Szczerba zajmuje Lech Marek
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