Armor Type:  Upper arm protection

Brief Description:  A brassart (or brassard) is the specific piece of plate armor that protected the upper arm. Sitting between the shoulder's pauldron and the elbow's couter, it typically consisted of a rigid steel tube or a series of overlapping articulated lames designed to allow full movement.

In full plate harnesses developed during the late Middle Ages (14th to 16th centuries), the brassart played a critical role in deflecting slashing and piercing blows while maintaining the flexibility required to swing a sword or lance. The piece generally enclosed the outside of the bicep, wrapping partially around the arm. It was often secured to the underlying arming doublet using arming points (laces or cords) or leather straps, preventing the metal from shifting during combat.

The term originates from the French word bras (arm). Depending on the region and era, it was frequently split into two main sections:

The Rerebrace: The component protecting the upper arm, specifically the bicep and tricep.

The Vambrace: The component that protected the lower arm (forearm).