Hourglass gauntlets were part of the continued development underway in European armour during the 14th century that moved defensive protection into the greater use of articulated plate that was augmented by underlying maille. The hourglass gauntlet gave solid protection for the hand and wrist, allowing a combatant not only defensive, but offensive capabilities. The armoured hand could now be used as a weapon itself, almost as an advanced pair of brass knuckles! This gauntlet was produced as an art piece (notice the anachronistic wristwatch), but it has all the functional capabilities of an original. Made of 16, 18 and 22 ga. mild steel, the gauntlet is surprisingly lightweight (1.25 lbs/.566 kg). The piece is now in a private collection in Houston, Texas. Images of the gauntlet are in the book “Humor in Craft” by Brigitte Martin