Provenance studies of ancient armour based on trace elements in slag inclusions (SI) present analytical challenges due to the small size (<30 μm) of the particles. This paper presents an analytical protocol developed for this kind of SI using LA-ICP-MS. Two different LA-ICP-MS systems were tested: a double focusing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer coupled with a 193 nm nanosecond laser on the one hand, and a 257 nm femtosecond laser on the other hand. The protocol was used to analyse the composition of the SI in armour samples dating from the 13th to the late 16th centuries and assumed to have been made in different areas (northern Italy, southern Germany and eastern France). The goal was to both validate the methodology developed and address specific historical issues. The results allow us to distinguish different provenance groups. By comparing the SI chemical signatures with the macroscopic slag composition of different production areas, some archaeological pieces identified as armour plates were for the first time attributed to Lorraine (France). The results also present an opportunity to discuss the origin of Italian-style pieces. Among them, eight samples have a common chemical signature. This latter group constitutes the first set of chemical signatures for Italian armour, opening the door for further decisive studies.

中文翻译：

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通过LA-ICP-MS分析微观炉渣夹杂物的古代盔甲出处

基于炉渣夹杂物（SI）中微量元素的古代装甲物源研究由于颗粒尺寸小（<30μm）而带来了分析难题。本文介绍了使用LA-ICP-MS为此类SI开发的分析协议。测试了两种不同的LA-ICP-MS系统：一方面是双聚焦电感耦合等离子体质谱仪，一方面是193 nm纳秒激光器，另一方面是257 nm飞秒激光器。该协议用于分析13世纪至16世纪末的装甲样品中SI的成分，并假设这些装甲样品是在不同地区（意大利北部，德国南部和法国东部）制成的。目的是验证开发的方法并解决特定的历史问题。结果使我们能够区分不同的出身群体。通过将SI化学特征与不同生产区域的宏观炉渣成分进行比较，一些被鉴定为装甲板的考古碎片首次归因于洛林（法国）。结果也为讨论意大利风格作品的起源提供了机会。其中，八个样品具有共同的化学特征。后一组构成意大利装甲的第一组化学特征，为进一步的决定性研究打开了大门。八个样品具有共同的化学特征。后一组构成意大利装甲的第一组化学特征，为进一步的决定性研究打开了大门。八个样品具有共同的化学特征。后一组构成意大利装甲的第一组化学特征，为进一步的决定性研究打开了大门。