Steel Bishop's Mantle: 9mm Flat Rings, Wedge Rivets & Solid, with Leather Edging

Steel Bishop's Mantle: 9mm Flat Rings, Wedge Rivets & Solid, with Leather Edging

Appearance and Unique Construction

This chainmail collar, as seen in the photograph, is designed to perfectly contour to the shoulders, providing broad coverage. It is made from 1.5mm (17 gauge) flat steel rings that are carefully interlinked. A portion of the rings is secured using wedge rivets, a very strong historical technique. These riveted rings are interspersed with solid rings that have no join, lending extraordinary resistance against piercing or tearing to the entire weave. The neck opening is finished with a high-quality leather edge, which not only prevents chafing but also gives the collar a polished look and can be used to attach it to other armour pieces or a helmet (such as a bascinet, as an aventail).

How You Can Use This Bishop's Mantle

This type of chainmail protection is highly versatile:

• Standalone Protection: Offers excellent protection for the shoulders, collarbones, upper chest, and back.
• As an Aventail for a Helmet: Can be attached to various helmet types (especially bascinets) to protect the neck and throat.
• For Historical Combat and Reenactment: The reinforced construction withstands even demanding conditions.
• For LARP and Theatre: Enhances costume authenticity and provides protection while maintaining good mobility.

For optimal comfort and protection, it is recommended to wear a suitable padded collar or arming cap underneath the chainmail mantle.

Neck and Shoulder Protection in History

Protecting the neck and shoulders has always been crucial for a warrior. Chainmail collars, in various forms, were used for centuries. A "Bishop's Mantle" typically refers to a wider chainmail cape protecting the shoulders, while an "aventail" was specifically a curtain of mail attached to helmets, particularly bascinets in the 14th and early 15th centuries. These armour pieces protected vulnerable areas not covered by the helmet or cuirass. Constructions using a combination of riveted and solid rings were among the most durable and highest quality.

Advantages of Steel, Wedge Rivets, and Leather Edging

This collar stands out due to its combination of quality materials and proven techniques:

• Mild Steel: Ensures good strength and durability.
• Flat Rings: Allow for a tighter weave and a better surface for riveting.
• Wedge Riveting Alternating with Solid Rings: This "Wedge Riveted (Alt.)" construction provides the maximum possible strength for the mail, significantly higher than standard riveted or butted rings.
• Leather Edging: Increases wearing comfort, protects the neck from abrasion, and allows for easier integration with other armour components.

Caring for Your Chainmail Collar

Proper care will ensure a long life for your steel collar:

• Keep it Dry: After each use, especially if it has become damp, dry the collar thoroughly.
• Rust Prevention: Regularly treat the steel parts with a light coat of preservation oil (e.g., WD-40, Ballistol). Wipe off any excess.
• Leather Care: Keep the leather edge dry. Occasionally, you can treat it with a leather conditioner to keep it supple.
• Storage: Store in a dry place, ideally hung or laid flat to prevent deformation of the rings.

Technical Parameters

The collar is available in two sizes:

Size M

• Inner Diameter of Neck Opening: approx. 17.8 cm (approx. 7 inches)
• Maximum Wearer's Neck Circumference: approx. 55 cm (approx. 21.7 inches)
• Height of Mail Section (from leather edge to bottom): approx. 33 cm (approx. 13 inches) (manufacturer's "délka límce" / collar length is approx. 25.4 cm / 10 inches)
• Total Outer Circumference of Spread Mantle: approx. 69 cm (approx. 27.2 inches)
• Weight: approx. 2.45 kg (approx. 5.4 lbs)

Size L

• Inner Diameter of Neck Opening: approx. 17.8 cm (approx. 7 inches) (same as Size M)
• Maximum Wearer's Neck Circumference: approx. 55 cm (approx. 21.7 inches) (same as Size M)
• Height of Mail Section (from leather edge to bottom): approx. 37 cm (approx. 14.6 inches) (manufacturer's "délka límce" / collar length is approx. 35.5 cm / 14 inches)
• Total Outer Circumference of Spread Mantle: approx. 81 cm (approx. 31.9 inches)
• Weight: approx. 3.3 kg (approx. 7.28 lbs)

Common Parameters for Both Sizes:

• Ring Material: Mild Steel
• Ring Type: Flat, wedge-riveted, alternating with solid rings
• Internal Ring Diameter: 9 mm (approx. 0.35 inches)
• Ring Material Thickness: 17 gauge (approx. 1.4 - 1.5 mm / 0.055 - 0.059 inches)
• Finish: Natural
• Neck Opening Edging: Leather
• Brand: Lord Of Battles®

This Bishop's Mantle chainmail collar with leather edging is a robust and reliable piece of protection that combines historical accuracy with functionality for modern use.