Vambrace

Tubular forearm armor of the medieval knight

The vambrace is a tubular piece of armor enclosing the forearm, used by European knights and men-at-arms from the 14th to 16th centuries. Constructed from two plates joined by a hinge and secured with a clasp, it formed part of an integrated arm defense system alongside the rerebrace (upper arm) and couter (elbow). Materials ranged from steel plate to hardened leather (cuir bouilli) depending on the wearer's means. The shield arm's vambrace was sometimes omitted or lightened since the shield itself provided protection.