Gauntlets

Part of Armor of Juhnvechteya
A gauntlet is a piece of plate armor developed to protect the hand and wrists. 
Developing in the 500s/350s JC/VC, gauntlets came to replace the prior maille mittens in use by the knights by about 530/300 JC/VC. They would become commonplace by 550/400 JC/VC, and Cinelli gauntlets would begin to have articulated fingers by 590/440 JC/VC. 
Often simply a clamshell-like plate defending the fists, gauntlets may also defend the fingers with an articulated joint, either one for each finger or as a large metal mitten. 
The palm of a gauntlet is always constructed of leather or cloth, to enable the movement of the hand. The former is cheaper to produce, and is used more commonly by less-wealthy soldiers, while the latter are near exclusive the the knightly classes
Gauntlets are among the cheapest form of plate armor, and, as the hands are extremely important in combat, are found in the armories of all classes of soldiers.
Category:Armor of Juhnvechteya