The Avant Harness: History and Reconstruction

The world famous Avant harness is one of the most well recognized and most important surviving armors in existence. The way it looks now is a little bit different than what it would have looked like when it was first built. Today we will explore Avant's history and attempt a digital restoration to get an idea of what this superb Milanese harness would have looked like when new.
For further reading on Avant:
The Real Fighting Stuff: Arms and Armour at Glasgow Museums, 2007, pp 26-29 Dr. Tobias Capwell
'The AVANT Armour and RL Scott', The Seventh Park Lane Arms Fair [Catalogue], London, 1990, pp. 5-11, Robert C. Woosnam-Savage
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#medievalarmor
#avant
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#barbute

[@JustGrowingUp84]

Man, Metatron is going to love this video!

[@SUB0SCORION]

The amount of work that went into it is amazing. The information and the content quality is so high. Man i love it. I hope there would be more.

[@Deathbyreality1]

Man the restored versions looks so much cooler!

[@heldaneurbanus5135]

So video starts and I start thinking " Ian sounds different today"... then realised you were speaking Italian! Ottimo lavoro Ian. Edit: Hah! So the armour is labelled " toward enemy" like a claymore mine? I find that absurdly amusing :)

[@genghiskhan6809]

I can only wonder how many times some dumbass went into battle with his armor on backwards for this to happen.

[@scottfarrell1]

Great job, Ian! You may have this in mind already - but I'd just love to see this concept turn into a series of videos looking at various famous museum armors, with the history and critical examination of the assembly and display of the pieces. Thanks!

[@KnyghtErrant]

Thanks Scott. This was a lot of fun to make, and I hope to do it again in the future one day.

[@Ackbar223]

Ian, I've been thinking a lot lately about variations in armor styles across history; various Medieval European armor types and designs, Roman armors, Japanese and other Asian styles. So my thoughts are directed toward the functions of different parts of the armor, every historical suit of armor was specialized for specific circumstances(Mounted combat, Shield walls, cost reduction, etc.), I'm wondering for a sci-fi story I'm creating what armor design techniques would be most effective for solo combat in enclosed spaces. I realize it's a complicated topic but whatever information you can provide would be much appreciated.

[@knightshousegames]

Man, your restored version of this armor looks awesome! I might be biased because I like armets, but I also just love the italian style mail as well.

[@extrasmack]

Wonderful video Ian! I particularly like the middle image (first proposed reconstruction) at the end. Really enjoyed all of the possibilities shown and specially the depth in which they were discussed. Hope you make more vids along these lines. Cheers!

[@01ZombieMoses10]

The irony is, I actually enjoy the aesthetic of the Italian skirt otherwise mixed with the German voiders. The skirt just has this great visual affect as the wearer changes stances or attacks, but I feel like the baggy sleeves look a bit unseemly. I wonder if such an arrangement was ever worn in-period, but I certainly wouldn't be surprised knowing that people are people, regardless of the time period and if given the choice of a variety of practical wear options for armor, many rich lords or knights could certainly get their druthers regardless of the perceived tastefulness of mixing styles.

[@rinflame44]

It would been neat if we could get Kelvingrove to display your reconstruction of the armour along with the real piece. It would possibly even make a great interactive display where visitors could match different pieces of armour to get them to match with the most likely representation of the original.

[@AKRex]

OMG I cannot believe the timing for this video! Ian, I was just browsing the web to look for good images of Italian armour in order to prepare for my upcoming sculpting project, as I want to make a series of tall resin kits of variety of men at arms from 15th century with magnetised helmets and weapon arms. This will be extremely helpful to implement ideas. Gotta be honest, I will likely be implementing composite pieces (but try to match the periods as much as possible) in order to make the kit more interesting. I will make a video on it as well once I start sculpting! Thank you, amazing video, please do more on other armour pieces!

[@ITHDUA]

Real deep dive to the history of arms. Pleasure to see, thank you.

[@BryceNewtson]

Would love to see more overviews on specific historical harnesses like this one!

[@daviddivers]

I live in Glasgow, very near the art gallery and never knew about this armour or its significance! I'll have to go check it out soon

[@juanpablogonzalez8528]

damn, this was a great video, i can see the amount of work you put into this

[@MoriShep]

AS always its like having a collage level speaker presenting, fantastically informative ty for your continued efforts in informing us lowly squires

[@Kittenmarines]

Absolutely can't wait for Toby's next book

[@robscotchie]

Phenomenal work Ian! Great work illustrating all possible options with reference images and walking through your reasoning. It is interesting when people talk about armours in collections being inaccurate and cobbled together. But it is so much more informative to have a video like this walking through everything in detail. Looking forward to more videos!

[@theangrycheeto]

This is absolutely brilliant. Can't imagine the work that went into this. :)

[@NicAimo]

That intro! I almost fell from my chair (I'm italian, I was expecting to hear English... my brain was completely fooled).

[@verfugbarkite]

Outstanding presentation.

[@DagsTheBarbarian]

Absolutely love learning from you Ian, thanks for all the effort you put into bringing history to the forefront!

[@Isseinoyuu]

Amazing video as always.

[@KnightsWithoutATable]

This is awesome that you put this together.

[@JeffersonMills]

Great stuff. Thank you for your dedication and hard work!

[@andrearovati]

one of the best videos ever!! magnifico lavoro, signor La Spina!!!

[@KnyghtErrant]

Grazie mille!

[@andrearovati]

Knyght Errant: "la spina" is an italian family name, isn't It?

[@KnyghtErrant]

Yes.

[@scottbauldry6257]

Amazingly in depth work. I look forward to seeing this in Glasgow this summer.

[@Ordo1980]

Quality content as always. I really like the professional, straightforward style of this channel.

[@kronosbr]

Very good video. Awesome armor! Thanks Ian.

[@Famine2k]

Excellent job Ian. Well done. Highly interesting content.

[@iacopoiacoponi1983]

this is a very informative and well made video.

[@ShagShaggio]

Splendid video! Thank you of putting it together and sharing.

[@richarddelotto2375]

Nice presentation with highly plausible reasoning.

[@alesmatoh4625]

I like the fact that from toes to the neck, it looks so buff, but then the helmet: simple yet functional :D

[@74Grimlin]

Great video! Wonderful information and we'll done over lays. This must have been a lot of work, but thanks for doing it.

[@GuntherRommel]

This was a wonderful video, Ian, thank you for sharing it.

[@greenoak1]

Excellent video! Thanks to Scott Farrell for pointing here. Very well done 👍🏻

[@thezokman]

This was great to watch, I hope you do more.

[@tubekulose]

Great video, as usual!

[@harveymedlicott-revell7069]

I've seen this piece in person. I can assure you it's even more glorious in person. Gorgeous harness.

[@petrvcelak2634]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@KorKhan89]

Great work! I always thought that barbute looked out of place; your reconstruction looks so much more harmonious.

[@kevinsugrue]

Delighted by the measured evaluation and interpretation of this important piece.

[@phillycheesetake]

Inspired the steel armour in TES4: Oblivion. I've actually seen this particular armour in person a few times, very impressive.

[@zoukatron]

Really fascinating video. Keep up the good work.

[@jameswight6259]

Wow! The level of detail in this and the depth and breadth of research and knowledge it’s built on is truly impressive! I am genuinely in awe of your scholarship! Thank you.

[@NoName-lo9ym]

I saw this in the Kelvingrove Museum the last time I was in Glasgow, a beautiful piece

[@KnyghtErrant]

Easily one of my favorite armors! I hope to see it in person one day.

[@JizzburnGigaqueer]

This was amazing!

[@poorlydisguisedeldritchabo221]

I love the middle, looks so much better

[@Akinos1]

Very nice video !

[@yogibear5995]

Thanks for the upload, makes the armour more believable

[@chrisway7113]

Great video! Fascinating and very informative!

[@funnyguy5746]

I saw this set in Glasgow a few months ago

[@abc-oq7dt]

I was mind boggled when you said Kelvin Grove Art Gallery like... Jesus thats in my city! Shoutout

[@carlpolen7437]

Another well put together video. Very informative and entertaining. Thank you.

[@MrFangsea]

Getting into the history of all this and you nailed it with the most famous piece. Really looking to this armor and date time to start learning.

[@ianmiller4195]

Can we see more soft kit videos? If you ever need to replace any of your clothes make a video about how to make/repair them.

[@faolan9472]

i too would like that.

[@orsettomorbido]

Woah. Amazing video! Really a lot of research °_°

[@masterofpuppets4771]

What do you think of doing a video series about different knight orders and the difference in their armor? e.g. Hospitaller Knights, The knights of Saint John, Teutonic knights and so on

[@youtubevoice1050]

Nice surprise! Greetings from Tyrol!

[@ttaibe]

impressive video.

[@Orkhane]

Thanks for the Video! This was very interesting!

[@davidmacon1138]

If you ever had the privilege of touring Hurst Castle, you can quickly see why, he went into debt. Just google his indoor pool alone. 24k gold tiles!!!! I was literally walking on gold tiles in that place.

[@mnk9073]

Glorious video, the depth and effort are exceptional. Could you talk about "black", "white", lacquered, leather/fabric covered and painted armour when you get the chance? Sadly, thanks to victorian polishing and decomposition, the common perception is armour = "white".

[@electronkaleidoscope5860]

I always thought the helmet looked out of place! Used to always think this harness looked a bit silly, These reconstructions make way more sense.

[@ЭкскурсиипоПетербургуотАлексея]

Great job, as always. Many thanks!

[@Furri1bia]

Excellent restoration work. Very informative and also very pleasing to the eye. The only thing I miss is the lack of a piece in the armor to store extra pommels.

[@ianmiller4195]

With the armet/great bacinet it looks better the barbute just doesn't fit the armor.

[@stephenhand4722]

Fantastic video, I've always loved this harness.

[@gabriellavoie4795]

Just fiew months before I start to build my milanese armor ! Awesome and thank you Knyght ! :D

[@Hillbilly_Papist]

15th Century has to be one of the most beautiful time periods regarding plate armour. The German Gothic has to be my favorite of all time.

[@LindyDesignLab]

Interesting information. Thanks for putting it all together.

[@serindas]

Great video and nice italian presentation Ian :D

[@s.w.4409]

Yay! He's back

[@LivingManuscript]

Fantastic video as always Ian!

[@TheWampam]

Do you know the Pienzenau armor? It is a really beautifull piece. And I think it could be the same period as this one.

[@KonigRitter]

Thank you sir for your video

[@_bisclavret]

Please talk about the armor of Frederick the Victorious and that unique style of bassinet. It's my favorite looking Hundred-Years armor, but I don't know much about it.

[@DanTrue]

Very nice video. Just curious: why wouldn't they have included plate sabatons? I'm not much into Italian armour, but I would have guessed the mail was just an ankle voider?

[@F1ghteR41]

Brilliant video!

[@dimitrizaitsew1988]

Top 10 medieval armors video next!

[@sheep1ewe]

Realy great information!

[@2b2tcitizen92]

I don't understand half of what you say, because I don't speak English, but I still learned a lot and i like your videos

[@reaperwithnoname]

Fascinating.

[@vadimflaks7795]

Fantastic analysis! I keep forgetting that the suits of armor we see in the museums are partially created by the modern curators and aren't QUITE the harnesses the actual medieval/renaissance masters put together.

[@duchessskye4072]

Ah, I started fearing Id go crazy without my annual video on armor :D

[@anthoines1864]

very interesting !

[@thelonelybolter8245]

Man, what a cool video. Really love this. The armet is pretty sweet, think my favorite! Although I fully support your houndskull as well ;)

[@phillip0537]

Love the work you did on this. They both look really cool. I did find it a bit funny that you paired the jousting helm and asymmetrical gauntlet with the lighter mail configuration though. Still, great work!

[@zamoutague199]

I really enjoyed this video! I'd love to see another video in this vein on the Churburg s18

[@floydkeimiii303]

Amazing video!

[@QbertEnhanced]

A video on barbutes might be interesting.

[@OptionalBean]

Great work, man.

[@federico3701]

Hello knyght Errant do you know exactly where I can find the photo at 1:29? I've looked everywhere but I'm not able to find it. Thanks.

[@shatteredstar9565]

Bin that spoon! Love your videos.

[@chasebirch2951]

I wonder, would the Italian configuration of mail be more protective, or simply heavier? How effective is mail underneath plate armour?

[@KnyghtErrant]

The mail underneath is a bit redundant, but the doubled skirt can be quite effective. You have to remember that we have the benefit of hindsight. From their perspective, a mail shirt was always what you wore, especially before good solid back defense came online. So in the early days of the full cuirass it's not always immediately obvious to innovate a new way to wear mail. There's always a bit of lag as the system gets optimized over time. From a modern practical perspective, a friend of mine has experimented with this on his Churburg #18 cuirass. He uses a fringe of mail attached to the fauld and culet. He's found that because the fringe is affixed to the fauld, it's always under a certain amount of tension. This makes it behave like a net that very effectively catches blades and takes a lot of force out of a thrust by the time it reaches the second layer of mail (if it reaches the second layer of mail at all).

[@chasebirch2951]

Knyght Errant I see, thanks for replying and explaining it. So in hindsight, I suppose the German mail would be a better set up? (Exception being the double skirt)

[@MrHusang23]

Very nice video, great work! Do you plan on making more "investigative" things like this?

[@christopheresquire947]

at 11:28, can you tell me what that pleated cloth is?? ive heard of bases, but i havent been able to find much information about them. thanks in advance!

[@ValtheroPens]

Damn your videos are fascinating

[@emperordraygon]

Not a huge fan of Italian armour, but I did find this video enjoyable regardless! Very informative.

[@duchessskye4072]

Wasn't it in german fashion to wear the great bascinet around this time as well? You can see it in Friedrich I:s armor, which is a Milanese export but was paired with a great bascinet, and that one's dated to 1450 Is it a stretch to imagine the avant harness worn with a German styled great bascinet for war, and not for tournament only as you implied?

[@KnyghtErrant]

Yes, a war visor with a great bascinet is a possibility too, as is an Italian export sallet with bevor depending on the overall role expected on the battlefield. I could easily imagine this armor without its pauldrons (just mail on the shoulders), and no guard of the vambrace with a sallet and bevor or even an open faced barbuta serving in a light cavalry role.

[@duchessskye4072]

Yes although the latter would be simply a configuration. I was mostly talking about the original helmet, and whether it is possible that it was a great bascinet in the current configuration (with the pauldrons). Thinking about it further however, it doesn't seem very likely. The armor is distinctly made in the Italian style and from what I know they did not use great bascinets. If it would have been made by the Milanese but in a different style (like the armor I mentioned earlier), it would not be far-fetched to imagine the native helmet to be a great bascinet. (I just like great bascinets)

[@godofimagination]

Excellent video! Did Toby happen to go into detail on why the Italians wore their sleeves like that?