Ailette

Ailettes are flat plates that are laced through the mail at the shoulder. They could be square, lozenge or round shapes and are made of parchment or leather. They seem to serve no purpose beyond being a form of identification (fully enclosed helmets are becoming quite popular at this time) as they were decorated with the arms of the wearer.

These appear in the 13th century and early 14th century.

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See also:

• armour
• coat of arms