Initially, the Russian word “kragi” meaning “gauntlets” was used to refer to high collars. Later, it came to designate the cuffs of gloves and leather shin guards with straps. Nowadays, it simply means long-cuff gloves. In the early 20th century, gauntlets became popular with motorists, bikers, and aviators. They are also an integral element of the outfit of welders, mechanics, and other workers.
The main purpose of gauntlets is to protect the hands and arms of the wearer. They protect welders from sparks, mechanics — from cuts and puncture wounds, tamers — from bites and scratches, and motorcycle riders — from wind, dust, and injuries in case of a fall. Depending on the specific application, gauntlet gloves can have two, three, or five fingers, and be as convenient as traditional gloves.
Gauntlet gloves with two or three fingers are particularly comfortable when working in freezing temperatures or cold water. They protect the wearer from extreme high and low temperatures, and from drops of hot metal. The intended application determines various qualities of gloves, such as temperature resistance, refractory properties, and durability. At the same time, gloves should be flexible so that they do not hinder the movement of fingers.
Gauntlet gloves are usually made of split cowhide, sheep leather, or tarpaulin. Gloves made of split leather offer the best protection for hands. Split leather is a product that is obtained after removing the outer layer of leather.
The palm area is protected by an additional layer of cloth. Moreover, additional warmth-keeping material can be added for using the gloves in cold weather conditions. Sometimes, kevlar is used to make the gloves stronger. The material can also undergo fire-retardant treatment.
The museum collection houses three-finger gauntlet gloves made of chamois leather. The separate index finger helped to operate motorcycle levers when the rider needed to engage the brakes or pick up the speed. The cuffs are black, wide, and funnel-shaped, flaring closer to the elbow, which allowed users to wear them over the sleeves and protect the hands and arms against dirt and dust.
The main purpose of gauntlets is to protect the hands and arms of the wearer. They protect welders from sparks, mechanics — from cuts and puncture wounds, tamers — from bites and scratches, and motorcycle riders — from wind, dust, and injuries in case of a fall. Depending on the specific application, gauntlet gloves can have two, three, or five fingers, and be as convenient as traditional gloves.
Gauntlet gloves with two or three fingers are particularly comfortable when working in freezing temperatures or cold water. They protect the wearer from extreme high and low temperatures, and from drops of hot metal. The intended application determines various qualities of gloves, such as temperature resistance, refractory properties, and durability. At the same time, gloves should be flexible so that they do not hinder the movement of fingers.
Gauntlet gloves are usually made of split cowhide, sheep leather, or tarpaulin. Gloves made of split leather offer the best protection for hands. Split leather is a product that is obtained after removing the outer layer of leather.
The palm area is protected by an additional layer of cloth. Moreover, additional warmth-keeping material can be added for using the gloves in cold weather conditions. Sometimes, kevlar is used to make the gloves stronger. The material can also undergo fire-retardant treatment.
The museum collection houses three-finger gauntlet gloves made of chamois leather. The separate index finger helped to operate motorcycle levers when the rider needed to engage the brakes or pick up the speed. The cuffs are black, wide, and funnel-shaped, flaring closer to the elbow, which allowed users to wear them over the sleeves and protect the hands and arms against dirt and dust.
