Chainmail
The Chainmail was the earliest form of metal armor worn by the average soldier during the Middle Ages. Chainmail was a flexible armor which was made from interlinked metal rings. The word 'chainmail' was an English combination of two words. 'Chain' meaning a series of metal rings or links fitted into one another to make a flexible ligament and 'mail' from the French word "maille" which is derived from the Latin "macula" meaning "mesh of a net". Chainmail is also referred to by derivatives of the word such as:
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Ringmail
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Chain armor
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Ring armor
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Mail
In the early feudal period of the Middle Ages a knight wore a cloth or leather tunic covered with iron rings or scales, and an iron cap with a nose guard. About the beginning of the twelfth century he adopted chain mail, with a hood, or coif, of the same material for the head.
Chainmail History
It is believed that chainmail was invented by the Celts. Chainmail history dates back to antiquity and was adopted by the Romans after they realised its potential after fighting the celts. A vatiety of materials were used to make chainmail including brass and iron but the most popular material was steel. In the 14th century, plate armor began to replace the chainmail worn by knights. However the chainmail was not completely disgarded by the Knights who continued to wear a shirt of chainmail beneath plate armor to protect the joints and the groin. Plate armor was extremely expensive and the average soldier during the Middle ages still used chainmail as their most effective form of protection. The history of chainmail shows its decline and use with the invention of the musket in 1520 and the subsequent use of gunpowder in variuos weapons.
Chainmail Armor
Chainmail armor provided protection against being cut by the opponents blade. It was effective against the sharp points and blades of the spear, axe and sword. It helped to prevent the skin being pierced stopping the fatal infections which often followed such injuries. Chainmail armor was ineffective against heavy blows from a blunt weapon. A padded, or quilted, garment known by various names such as Aketon, Arming coat, Doublet, Gambeson, Hacketon was worn in conjunction with chainmail as a form of additional defence. These garments consisted of a quilted coat which was either sewn or stuffed with linen or even grass. This served as padding for additional armour worn over the top. Shirts made of chainmail weighed up to 25 kilograms, depending on the size and the number of chainmail garments worn.
The Advantages of Chainmail
The advantages of using chainmail a protection during the Middle Ages were as follows:
Making Chainmail
Making chainmail during the Middle Ages was undertaken by the blacksmith. Making chainmail armor involved the linking of iron or steel rings, the ends of which were either pressed together, welded or riveted. The rings were formed when they were stamped out of a sheet of iron and then used in alternate rows with riveted links.
Chainmail Patterns
The demand for chainmail during the period of the Middle Ages was substantial. Each piece of mail was fashioned specifically for whichever part of the body it was intended to protect. Chainmail patterns were used for creating this type of armor, resembling a modern knitting pattern. There was a basic chainmail pattern used for each part of the body it was intended to protect. Sizing was easily accomodated by the addition of extra rings. The most common form of chainmail patterns was the "four-in-one" pattern in which each link had four others linked through it.
Chain mail, sometimes called chainmail, maille, or chain maille, is a type of functional armor. The wearing of chain mail has always been an effective means of protection in combat and war for centuries. Its use dates back to the Greek and early Roman empire where warriors and legionnaires donned metal plate and mail armor. Chain mail armor was the first type of medieval armor developed. The medieval era knights are remembered for their elaborate armor and battle shields in brilliant colors. The quality of the chain mail was important to know the battle efficiency and made a fashion statement too reflecting the status and lifestyle of the knights. Well-made chain mail was a prized possession of fighting knights.
The evolution of chain mail was a direct response to improvement in weaponry. In the mid 1500's, there was an evolution of plate armor to entire suits of highly crafted works of art in metal. Prior to this time, chain mail was the most prevalent and effective type of body armament. Chain mails weighed about the same as full body plate style. The average weight was about 45 - 55 pounds. It was always worn with padding and protective clothing to further protect and insulate from the heat and cold. Today its use is confined to as a captivating display piece in the homes.
Chainmail can give you flexibility and is tougher than ordinary padding or light armor. Knights of the Medieval Era usually wore a chain mail shirt and coif under their armor for better defense from enemy blows.
Today many people use it as an interesting display piece in their home. Others still wear some form of chain mail under their armor in the SCA or at the Renaissance Fair. There are also those who make their own by buying loose rings and weaving them together in their own patterns.
Medieval Chain Mail Coif is a battle-ready, over the shoulder medieval chain mail coif. This is a full over the shoulder coif, don't be fooled by other websites selling similar coifs that don't cover the shoulders.The rings are made of 16 gauge zinc-plated steel. sThe rings are in the traditional 4 in 1 link pattern. This chain mail coif will comfortably fit most head sizes. Flexible for an easy fit, this medieval chain mail coif is a great inexpensive piece for reenactors!
Medieval Chain Mail hOOD is great for costuming and renaissance faires. This set is made of MS 1 steel construction and is full length. The shirt is 36 inches in length and accomodates a waist up to 38 inches. You must 18 years of age or older to purchase this Chainmail Shirt and Hood Set. It is available for ground shipment only.
Chain Mail Sheet are just what you need to repair your shirt, mantle, or coif. They are made of 16 gauge zinc-plated steel rings in the traditional 4 in 1 link pattern. There is no reason to buy a whole new shirt, just cut a sheet to fit!
These chain mail sheets are 24 by 36 inches and can be easily cut or woven together to whatever size you need. You must 18 years of age or older to purchase these Chain Mail Sheets.
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