Together with his relatives Francesco (ca. 1510–1579), who may be regarded as the most skilled, esteemed, and famous armorer of his age, perhaps of all time. During the sixteenth century, Milan housed the workshop of the Missaglia descendant Filippo Negroli (ca. This prominent family produced at least four known armorers-Tomaso (recorded 1430, died 1452), Antonio (recorded 1441, died 1496), Giovanni Angelo (recorded 1496–1529), and Damiano (recorded 1514)-and their workshop appears to have exported armor all over Europe.

Probably the most dynamic center of armor manufacture during the fifteenth century was the Italian city of Milan, home to the earliest comparatively well-documented family of armorers, the Missaglias. The modern concept of the individual artist begins to emerge only from the late fourteenth century onward, which may explain why, in the manufacture of arms and armor, cities and regions of origin often take precedence over the craftsman/artist.īy far the most important regions of armor production in Renaissance Europe were northern Italy and southern Germany, with workshops from both regions exporting their products throughout Europe. The same holds true for the manufacture of sword blades, staff weapons, bows and crossbows, firearms, and ordinance (cannon founding), where famous names rarely appear before the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The names of a few fourteenth-century armorers have come down to us, but substantial documentation begins only in the fifteenth century. Indeed, makers of arms and armor appear to have been among the first craftsmen to “sign” their works, and some of the later court armorers were as highly esteemed as any of the celebrated court painters.ĭespite the fame of their legendary predecessors, as well as many Far Eastern counterparts, comparatively little is known about European makers of arms and armor. During the eighth century, Ingelri and Ulfberht, two blade smiths (or their workshops) from the Rhine region, apparently produced such high-quality sword blades that their names are found inscribed on swords produced over the following two centuries.

The earliest references to both armorers and famous regions of manufacture occur in myths and legend, such as the famed Hephaistos, armorer to the Greek gods, or Wieland, the smith from Germanic mythology. In these centers, which included Paris, Nuremberg, and London, there was often a close relationship between arms makers, armorers, and other related craftsmen such as gold- or silversmiths.

Critical factors in the establishment and success of any such center were proximity to water (which would provide energy as well as transport routes) and the availability of metal either from nearby natural supplies or through trade. In medieval and early modern Europe, numerous regions and cities consolidated and expanded their age-old standing and reputation as centers for the production of arms and armor. The high regard accorded arms and armor throughout history also reflected on their origin of manufacture and their makers.

Medieval swords and armor