"The term 'chainmail' is a relatively modern term derived from the historical 'mail' or 'maille' (my personal preference (and mine - Ken)), which is itself derivative of the old Latin 'macula', meaning 'mesh' or 'net'. The term 'chainmail' was coined in the Victorian era when the word 'mail' was used as a generic term for any kind of armour, with the first word (in this case, chain) designating the specific type.
Examples of maille have been excavated dating as far back as the mid-4th Century BC, and archaeological finds seem to indicate that Celtic civilization is responsible for having invented it (at least in Europe). These early examples are frequently of butted ring construction, which is to say that, aside from the rings being "butted" together, the ends aren't closed in any special way. (Most of my armour is made this way - Ken) Some have been found with butted rings mixed in with solid rings, the solid rings being presumably forge-welded. Others still were found with solid rings and rings with the ends riveted together (known as "riveted maille"). Around the 1st Century AD, the solid ring/riveted ring combination becomes more common. It has not been clearly determined if this was a Roman improvement on the Celts' work, or if the Romans merely popularized the form (some earlier Celtic examples feature the same combination). Nonetheless, after the 1st Century AD, the solid ring/riveted ring construction appears to be the favorite right up until the end of the 14th Century AD, after which maille of all-riveted construction appears almost exclusively. It's not known for sure why the conversion to all-riveted rings was made, but regardless, by this time plate armour had gained favor over maille as the dominant form of armour.
The 4-in-1 weave is by far and away the predominant maille weave in Europe. Very nearly all maille that has been found in Western Europe, but for a couple of not-quite-verified examples of European 6-in-1, has been of the 4-in-1 configuration."
- Beginner's Guide to Maille by Eric Slyter
Disclaimer: I cannot warranty this armor to provide protection from any form of real attack. Butted maille is all about the look and feel. If it does help, great! Tell me all about it. If not, you cannot sue me for liability. Okay? Deal. If you want real protection, you will need riveted armour. There is a significant cost increase due to the additional work involved, but don't let that discourage you. Contact me for details (and I still won't take responsibility if you get stabbed!).
Reminder that the prices below do not include shipping costs. I could put a flat shipping fee in, but the cost to ship armour varies greatly by distance.
The Snakeskin weave is based upon European Four in One, but with two different sized rings. This vest uses punched solid mild steel washers and .064 1/4 inch galvanized steel rings. I made this one so that the weave hangs "open" to show off the flat solid rings more. This results in a stiffer shirt, but it is still flexible enough for comfortable wear. As pictured will fit up to a 44 inch chest, 18 inch bicep and is 26 inches long.
When your LARP game goes on all weekend, you will appreciate that this shirt only weighs nine pounds. Traditional European Four-in-One weave made with .08 3/8th inch anodized aluminum rings. Special in-game bonuses vary by game organizer discretion. Pictured is a hauberk 26 inches long with sleeves that are 18 inches long and 14 inches around.
Twenty one pounds of European Four-in-One armour-grade (.08 3/8 galvanized steel) hauberk. I decided to use Kingsmaille for the brass Valnott inlay, to make it stand out more. Persian Three-in-One trim around neckline and hemline for an extra touch. In-stock size will fit up to a 40 inch chest, 14 inch bicep and is 36 inches from shoulder to hem.
European 4-in-1 pattern sleeveless shirt made from .064 5/16th inch galvanized steel rings. These smaller, lighter rights still provide the same armour grade protection as the .08 3/8th inch rings used in other shirts, but it weighs only twelve pounds (it just takes longer to make). Contact me to discuss adding sleeves.
Basic European 4-in-1 armour for today's SCA or LARP warrior, it also makes an impressive Halloween costume. Armour grade (.08 3/8ths inch) galvanized steel rings provide economy without requiring a squire for daily maintenance. Sleeves are 3/4 length to provide arm protection without interfering with shields or gauntlets (full and T lengths available). Horseman slits optional at no added charge.
Basic European 4-in-1 pattern armour grade (.0625 5/16ths inch) titanium rings, this shirt is virtually maintenance free and weighs much less than a similar shirt in steel rings (Only TEN pounds), but just as strong, if not stronger. Pictured haubergeon is designed to fit a chest up to 44 inches with 16 inch biceps, 8 inch sleeve length and 25 inch body length. Believe me, the picture does not convey the raw sexiness of titanium at all.
Combining European 6-in-1 sleeves/shoulders with European 4-in-1 body gives this shirt a distinctive look. Red anodized aluminum trim and Valnott (Follower of Odin) inlay ensure you'll get noticed in this costume armour. Horseman's split for comfort while seated. Aluminum .08 3/8th inch rings make this armour excellent for Live Action Role Play at only ten pounds total weight. In stock shirt will fit up to a 43 inch chest, 16 inch biceps and is 38 inches from shoulder to hem.
Twenty pounds of European Four-in-One armour-grade (.08 3/8 galvanized steel) hauberk with Valnott inlay in brass and Persian Three-in-One trim. In-stock size will fit up to a 40 inch chest, 14 inch bicep and is 36 inches from shoulder to hem.
Another possibility for coif design using anodized aluminum, this time in red with a thick black trim .08 3/8th inch rings.
Anodized black aluminum .062 5/16th inch rings with a partial face mask. Maximum intimidation and convenience at once. Available in 5356 aluminum, galvanized steel, stainless steel or titanium as well as the one pound anodized aluminum version shown. Other materials will decrease (galvanized, stainless, aluminum) or increase (titanium) costs.
Aluminum .062 5/16th inch rings with a partial face mask. Maximum intimidation and convenience at once. Available in anodized aluminum, galvanized steel, stainless steel or titanium as well as the one pound aluminum version shown. Other materials will decrease (galvanized, stainless) or increase (titanium, anodized aluminum) costs.
Aluminum .064 5/16th and 3/16th inch rings joining drink can pull tabs. Fits a 24 inch head (bigger than the Styrofoam head) and has a 10 inch length. Larger or smaller sizes always available.
Black steel .062 5/16th inch rings with a partial face mask. Maximum intimidation and convenience at once. Available in aluminum, galvanized steel, stainless steel or titanium as well as the black steel version shown. Tumbling does remove the rust from blackened steel without removing the black. This mask is now a very deep gunmetal black, almost blue. It looks very much like the anodized aluminum version but very much stronger. Other materials will decrease (galvanized, stainless, aluminum) or increase (titanium, anodized) costs.
When used in conjunction with an approved steel helmet, this .08 3/8ths inch galvanized steel coif is perfect for SCA combat (LARP-approved on its own). Enclosed throat for additional protection. Full mantle extends to arms for double shoulder coverage. Also available in stainless steel, titanium, or aluminum (regular or anodized).
Light weight aluminum with a red anodized aluminum trim makes this coif great for costume or LARP wear (For SCA use I recommend steel). The open throat design provides maximum comfort and convenience. .08 3/8th inch rings throughout.
European Four-in-One triangle expansion top coupled with dragonscale sides and back, this weave is super thick and very exotic! Made with aluminum .062 3/8th and 1/4 inch rings, this coif leaves a lot less residue on the wearer than plain aluminum. The top of this version is very weak and doesn't look that great either. I highly recommend the improved version of this coif.
Click Picture for
Larger Side View
European Four-in-One Kingsmaille (all rings doubled!) top coupled with dragonscale sides and back, otherwise exactly like the one above. Made with alloy 5356 aluminum .062 3/8th and 1/4 inch rings, this coif leaves a lot less residue on the wearer than plain aluminum. Due to the stiffness ot the weave, this coif fits a 21 to 23 inch head only, but I can remake it for other sizes.
Etched aluminum .064 5/16th inch rings give this coif strength without weight. Makes an excellent addition for costume or LARP wear. Etching the rings prevents the gray aluminum oxide that plain aluminum leaves on everything it touches. The open throat design provides maximum comfort and convenience. As always, other materials are also available.
Black stainless steel .062 5/16th inch rings with a brass trim makes this coif stand out from the norm. The open throat design provides maximum comfort and convenience. Also available with or without trim in aluminum, galvanized or stainless steel or titanium (Extra cost for titanium).
Armour grade (.08 3/8th inch) galvanized steel (durable and easy to care for) rings in a European Four-in-One triangle expansion weave. Sci-Fi/Fantasy styling with dangles and dags for a unique look. Fully suitable for recreation in stainless steel, titanium or aluminum in addition to galvanized steel.
Black Stainless Steel and Neoprene Rubber .064 1/4 inch rings. With 6.5 inches in length, this solid gauntlet fits an arm that is 8 inches at the wrist and 12 inches at the forearm when at rest. The neoprene rubber rings allow for a great deal of stretch, which allows the gauntlet to pass over the wearer's hand and to fit a large range of forearm sizes, without bothering with laces, hooks or clasps. Weighs in at just over half a pound. Stand out in any pit, without hauling a lot of extra weight!
Named for it's resemblance to clothing worn by clergy in the middle ages and Renaissance, this shoulder armour in .062 5/16th inch galvanized steel rings gives added protection to the most targeted areas. It can also be worn alone, if weight is more important than coverage. In stock version fits a 23 inch or smaller head. The same material options are available for mantles as for other armour.
Another mantle style, this example can be worn with the points over the shoulders (as pictured) or towards the center of the chest to create different effects. The sample at left is made using 5356 aluminum, and fits over any head 25 inches or smaller. As you can see by the picture, mantles are unisex. The same material options are available for mantles as for other armour.
