Archaeologists discovered an entire medieval gauntlet

The Canton of Zurich announced at a press conference the discovery of an entire medieval gauntlet dating back to the 14th century.

The object was discovered during excavations southeast of Kyburg Castle, which is located in Kyburg, Pfäffikon District, Switzerland.

Kyburg's settlement developed up around Kyburg Castle, also known as Chuigeburch during the medieval period.

Today, the castle is one of Switzerland's largest medieval castle complexes, consisting of a bergfried and palas, as well as residential and economic components and a chapel.

Excavations near the castle revealed a medieval weaving cellar that was destroyed by fire in the 14th century, as well as traces of forging, as demonstrated by the discovery of a mold and over 50 metal pieces connected with smithing.

Archaeologists also discovered a hammer, tweezers, pliers, keys, knives, bullet points, and a well preserved 14th century gauntlet, as well as remnants of its counterpart worn on the opposite hand.

Image Credit : Canton of Zurich

The complete gauntlet is a four-fold finger glove worn on the right hand, with individual iron plates piled like scales and connected by side rivets. Individual glove components were attached to the interior with extra rivets on a leather or textile foundation, which was then stitched to the fabric.

According to the press release, the previously known gauntlets from museums and collectors date back to at least the 15th century. Older samples from the 14th century are quite rare. So far, only five other gauntlets from this period have been discovered during archaeological excavations in Switzerland, but none are as well preserved or display as many design and decorating features as the Kyburg gauntlet.