In Search of the Spanish Colonial 'Cuera' Armor

fernando · 2nd September 2009, 06:58 PM

Hi Jim, can i assault this thread, now that the cuera theme in the appointed context has slowed down?
I assume we all know that this apparatus was previously more of a complementary armour element than an exterior attire.
At a certain period it was used to defend parts of the body and pad the upper part, in order to absorb the hardness of the steel cuirass.
The name in portuguese is coura; i realize however that this type of gear also had its momens of glory in various other countries, of course.
I know where there is one for sale (where else could it be?

); i just don't even ask for its price, afraid i couldn't reach it.
The example in the pictures is in the Oporto military museum.
I bet guys like Michael can put up pictures with magnificent examples
Fernando
.

Jim McDougall · 2nd September 2009, 08:27 PM

Wow! Beautifully done Fernando. I really like the way you detail the photo with captioning, nice graphics and very helpful.

You're very right, leather or other material was indeed worn under armour not only to provide some buffer between the hard steel and its wearer, absorb heat, which must have been unbearable at times, and also to absorb the force of blows, which would sometimes generate blunt trauma with the armour itself.
* much like the non penetrating wounds received somewhat superficially under kevlar vests etc.

In the Middle Ages, this wearing of heavy material was common, and the heavy jerkins worn during the English Civil War also examples which also served somewhat like the cuerra.

The Spanish soldiers found leather much more manueverable in these incredibly rugged regions, and great defence against the hostile flora as well as the hostile Indian tribes' arrows. The bocas no doubt provided much needed protection against the bite of the ever present rattlesnake as well.

Thank you so much for adding this great photo!!! as well as your always brilliant detail!!!

All the very best,
Jim

fearn · 2nd September 2009, 08:41 PM

Where's that head-slapping smilie?

A buffcoat. Of course! Great call, Fernando!

F

2nd September 2009, 06:58 PM	#1
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Hi Jim, can i assault this thread, now that the cuera theme in the appointed context has slowed down? I assume we all know that this apparatus was previously more of a complementary armour element than an exterior attire. At a certain period it was used to defend parts of the body and pad the upper part, in order to absorb the hardness of the steel cuirass. The name in portuguese is coura; i realize however that this type of gear also had its momens of glory in various other countries, of course. I know where there is one for sale (where else could it be? ); i just don't even ask for its price, afraid i couldn't reach it. The example in the pictures is in the Oporto military museum. I bet guys like Michael can put up pictures with magnificent examples Fernando . Attached Images

2nd September 2009, 08:27 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,193	Wow! Beautifully done Fernando. I really like the way you detail the photo with captioning, nice graphics and very helpful. You're very right, leather or other material was indeed worn under armour not only to provide some buffer between the hard steel and its wearer, absorb heat, which must have been unbearable at times, and also to absorb the force of blows, which would sometimes generate blunt trauma with the armour itself. * much like the non penetrating wounds received somewhat superficially under kevlar vests etc. In the Middle Ages, this wearing of heavy material was common, and the heavy jerkins worn during the English Civil War also examples which also served somewhat like the cuerra. The Spanish soldiers found leather much more manueverable in these incredibly rugged regions, and great defence against the hostile flora as well as the hostile Indian tribes' arrows. The bocas no doubt provided much needed protection against the bite of the ever present rattlesnake as well. Thank you so much for adding this great photo!!! as well as your always brilliant detail!!! All the very best, Jim

2nd September 2009, 08:41 PM	#3
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Where's that head-slapping smilie? A buffcoat. Of course! Great call, Fernando! F