| suits of armor come from the first two countries, | | | | material used to make it and the finish quality all |
| and you are correct. However, you'll almost | | | | add to the authenticity of your particular piece. |
| always end up paying a premium for these | | | | Today's replicas of historical armors came mainly |
| armors. The armor in Spain and Italy usually are | | | | from three countries: Spain, Italy, and India. By |
| going to be museum quality, and the finish on the | | | | nature one may be inclined to think that higher |
| armor is going to be authentic. The armor | | | | quality suits of armor come from the first two |
| especially in Italy is created with an old patina | | | | countries, and you are correct. However, you'll |
| rustic look which India manufacturers cannot or | | | | almost always end up paying a premium for these |
| will not match. The shape of the armor is also | | | | armors. The armor in Spain and Italy usually are |
| going to be more authentic and historically | | | | going to be museum quality, and the finish on the |
| accurate to what was actually constructed in | | | | armor is going to be authentic. The armor |
| medieval times as well. Another advantage of | | | | especially in Italy is created with an old patina |
| Italian and Spanish armors is that they often can | | | | rustic look which India manufacturers cannot or |
| etch and emboss very delicate and complex | | | | will not match. The shape of the armor is also |
| designs on their armor, sometimes in precious | | | | going to be more authentic and historically |
| metals such as gold. If you are looking for a | | | | accurate to what was actually constructed in |
| display suit of armor, Spanish armors are almost | | | | medieval times as well. Another advantage of |
| always going to be your pick. | | | | Italian and Spanish armors is that they often can |
| However, the armor in India does have its pros | | | | etch and emboss very delicate and complex |
| as well. As the cost of labor is much less in India, | | | | designs on their armor, sometimes in precious |
| you'll often pay a lot less for an Indian armor, and | | | | metals such as gold. If you are looking for a |
| they can be high quality as well. Indian medieval | | | | display suit of armor, Spanish armors are almost |
| armor also is a very effective SCA combat or | | | | always going to be your pick. |
| reenactment piece. They make suits of armor | | | | However, the armor in India does have its pros |
| that can be worn and used as costumes or in | | | | as well. As the cost of labor is much less in India, |
| tournaments. The downside is that they usually | | | | you'll often pay a lot less for an Indian armor, and |
| make not-so-good display armors, as the "old | | | | they can be high quality as well. Indian medieval |
| patina" look cannot not be replicated and they fail | | | | armor also is a very effective SCA combat or |
| miserably at etching and embossing fine designs | | | | reenactment piece. They make suits of armor |
| on their armors.">If you are looking for an | | | | that can be worn and used as costumes or in |
| authentic medieval suit of armor to add to your | | | | tournaments. The downside is that they usually |
| collection, then it is important to know what you | | | | make not-so-good display armors, as the "old |
| are looking for. Some of you may be shopping | | | | patina" look cannot not be replicated and they fail |
| around for the first time and have no idea what | | | | miserably at etching and embossing fine designs |
| to look for in a suit of armor. Not only should | | | | on their armors. |
| your armor be historically accurate, but the | | | | |