Margaret Medieval Shop was founded in 2004 in a small workshop in Germany by a craftsman who believed that the art of the medieval armourer should never be lost to mass production. What began as a personal obsession — hours spent studying museum pieces, consulting historical archives, and learning to shape steel by hand — grew slowly into one of Europe's most respected names in authentic medieval armour.
"Steel remembers every hammer blow. Every piece we make carries the memory of the hands that shaped it."
Our process has never changed. Raw steel arrives in sheets. We cut, heat, hammer, shape, temper, polish, and fit every single component by hand. There are no machines pressing forms. No shortcuts. Each finished piece represents between 80 and 300 hours of skilled labour — a number we are proud of, not embarrassed by.
Over two decades we have built armour for historical re-enactors, LARP events, film and television productions, museum collections, and private collectors across 35 countries. Every client receives not just a product but a relationship — we answer questions, take precise measurements, share progress photographs, and stand behind our work unconditionally.
Our materials are sourced with the same rigour we apply to our craft. We use European high-carbon steel, genuine vegetable-tanned leather, solid brass hardware, and period-correct riveting methods. We do not cut corners on materials any more than we would on technique.
The name Margaret is a tribute to the workshop's first patron — a collector who commissioned our founder's first full harness in 2003 and whose belief in the work made everything that followed possible. Every piece we make is, in a sense, still made for her.
Every technique we use has been proven across centuries of armouring tradition. We do not take shortcuts, and we do not compromise on the methods that make our work last a lifetime.
We research every commission against museum collections and primary historical sources. Accuracy is not optional for us — it is the foundation of what we make and the reason collectors trust us.
Our clients span 35 countries and every tradition of historical martial culture. We are proud to serve re-enactors, collectors, LARP communities, and museums with equal care and dedication.
With over 25 years at the anvil, Marcus founded Margaret Medieval Shop after a decade studying under master armourers in Germany and Austria. His expertise spans Gothic plate, chainmail weaving, and historical riveting techniques.
Anna joined in 2009 after completing her journeyman qualification in traditional saddlery. She oversees all leather components — straps, linings, and padding — ensuring every harness fits as precisely as it performs.
Felix discovered chainmail making as a teenager at a medieval market in Rothenburg and never looked back. He now leads all ring-woven commissions, producing hauberks and coifs to museum specification using period-correct riveting methods.
Marcus Hoffmann opens a small workshop in Bavaria, completing his first commissioned full harness for collector Margaret L. — the patron who gave the shop its name.
First international commissions fulfilled to the UK and France, establishing the workshop's reputation beyond Germany's borders and building the foundation for worldwide shipping.
The 100th bespoke commission is completed — a full Gothic harness for a Swiss re-enactment society. Anna Keller joins the team, bringing expert leatherwork to every build.
Formal partnerships established with leading LARP organisations across Europe. Felix Vogel joins as chainmail specialist, expanding the workshop's capacity for ring-woven commissions.
Margaret Medieval Shop launches its first e-commerce platform, making handcrafted armour accessible to collectors worldwide and introducing a curated range of ready-to-ship pieces.
Margaret Medieval Shop now ships to over 35 countries, with pieces in private collections, museum exhibitions, and LARP events across Europe, North America, and beyond.
Browse our collection of ready-to-ship armour, or begin your bespoke commission journey with our team today.