The worth of protecting medieval and Renaissance-style metalwork varies considerably based mostly on a number of elements. These embody the kind of armor (full swimsuit, partial armor, particular person items), the supplies used (metal, stainless-steel, aluminum, leather-based), the craftsmanship concerned (hand-forged vs. machine-made), and the extent of historic accuracy desired. A easy, ornamental breastplate may cost a couple of hundred {dollars}, whereas a totally practical, custom-made swimsuit of plate armor by a talented artisan can vary from hundreds to tens of hundreds of {dollars}. Replicas for theatrical or show functions are typically extra reasonably priced than traditionally correct reproductions or bespoke commissions.
Traditionally, the price of a swimsuit of armor was substantial, typically exceeding the worth of a home or a small farm. Possession of armor signified wealth, standing, and navy prowess. Right this moment, the worth related to armor persists, although the context has shifted. Collectors, reenactors, museums, and people taken with historical past respect the craftsmanship, artistry, and historic significance of those complicated artifacts. The funding concerned displays not simply the supplies and labor, but in addition the preservation of a singular historic craft.
