Colin Middleton wrote:I think I've seen something for a side closing being laced shut, but with it sewn up at the front.
Not sure beyond that.
I hope the thing that's niggling at your memory isn't my C13th gambeson, Colin - I make no claims for its authenticity!
For the benefit of those who don't know it, my gambeson is side-laced down the right-hand side. At the time of making, it seemed like a sensible approach from a safety point of view, giving an uninterrupted protection of the chest. The vulnerable point where the panels lace shut is furthest from the enemy when fighting with a shield.
However, I am clear on its low authenty-rating. I have no provenance for such a design. It is used for a 'Historical Entertainment' tourney and dressing up kids in school classes. Being stuffed with modern quilting fibre, it can be machine-washed and tumble-dried so that they aren't completely repelled by the stench of stale sweat and woodsmoke that hangs around most more authentic garments! I recently washed my C15th jack for the first time (it's only two and a half years old!), and it took nearly three weeks to dry.
When the budget permits, I intend to get a more authentic one made or purchased. I have never doubted the practicality or the safety aspects of the side-opening, and I'm sure that some people in the past would have had the same idea and commissioned their gambesons to that pattern. However, if I am to get a more authentic one it will be front-opening to avoid the re-enactorism of 'Yeah, it's good so someone must have done it even though there aren't any contemporary pictures of it'.
If you do find any other references, Archer, let me know because I'd still like the side-opening even in an authentically heavy, sweaty gambeson.
Of course he has a knife. He always has a knife. We all have knives - it's 1183 and we're barbarians.