Chainmail (mail shirt) with hood

Chainmail (mail shirt) with hood

Chainmail (or a byrnie) was already known in rudimentary forms in antiquity and developed through the Celtic, Germanic, and Viking ages into a highly valued form of body protection that often withstood a sword blow. Compared to a regular breastplate, chainmail has the advantage of conforming to the body. To allow for comfortable sitting on horseback, chainmail featured side slits. Up to 20,000 rings were used to craft a single chainmail shirt. This indicates that only wealthy warriors could afford such body armor. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the sleeves became longer and included integrated gauntlets. However, chainmail offered insufficient protection against crossbow bolts and lance blows. Furthermore, with the advent of firearms, chainmail no longer stood a chance.

• The chainmail is made from 12 mm galvanized steel rings.
• Weight: approx. 13 kg.

Two-piece: A chainmail shirt and a coif.