Chainmail Voiders (Half Shirt): Short Sleeves, 9mm Steel Flat Rings Alternating Riveted and Solid

Lord Of Battles Chainmail Voiders (Half Shirt): Short Sleeves, 9mm Steel Flat Rings Alternating Riveted and Solid

What Can This Protection Do for You?

This half chainmail shirt (voiders) is an indispensable accessory if you want to:

• Enhance the protection of your plate armour: It ideally fills gaps in the shoulder, armpit, and upper chest areas that would otherwise remain vulnerable.
• Reduce the overall weight of your gear: Compared to a full chainmail shirt, you save considerable weight, which you'll appreciate during long re-enactment battles or multi-day LARP events.
• Achieve a historically accurate look: Especially for 15th-century and later period personas, where plate armour was combined with such chainmail ancillaries.
• Increase your mobility: Less weight and targeted coverage mean greater freedom of movement.

A Glimpse into History: The Birth of Mail Ancillaries

As plate armour became more sophisticated throughout the 14th and especially the 15th centuries, it grew increasingly complex and covered a larger portion of the warrior's body. A full chainmail shirt worn underneath plates became unnecessarily heavy and restrictive. In response to this need, so-called voiders (or "gussets") emerged in Italy, a centre of armour-making. These were separate pieces of mail intended to be sewn onto a gambeson or directly attached to plate components, covering only exposed areas like armpits, inner elbows, or the groin. This "half shirt" is a modern interpretation of a similar principle, offering integrated protection for the shoulders and upper torso with short sleeves, typical for mercenary companies and knights of the late Middle Ages who valued mobility and efficiency.

Advantages of the Material and Construction

Mild Steel and Surface Finish

The shirt is made from mild (low-carbon) steel rings of 17-gauge wire (approx. 1.15mm). This material provides a good balance between durability and workability. The inner diameter of the rings is 9mm. The armour has no further surface treatment beyond oiling, which gives it an authentic, matte metallic appearance and protects it from corrosion during storage and transport.

Flat Rings Riveted with Round Rivets, Alternating with Solid Rings

The use of flat rings increases the protective coverage of the mail compared to round wire rings. Alternating rows of rings firmly riveted with round rivets with rows of solid (stamped) rings is a proven method that significantly increases the strength and tear resistance of the entire suit of armour. Each riveted joint is carefully made to withstand the demanding conditions of historical combat.

Size Chart

Choose the correct size for maximum comfort and functionality. Measure your chest ideally while already wearing your gambeson or any other layer you plan to wear under this mail protection. If you are between sizes, consider opting for the larger variant.

An Interesting Fact from History

The development of specialized mail ancillaries, such as voiders or similar "half" shirts, was a direct response to the increasing sophistication of plate armour in the 15th century. They allowed for targeted protection of key body areas without the unnecessary weight and movement restriction that a full chainmail shirt under plates would have entailed. This not only unburdened the warrior but also increased the effectiveness and mobility in fully articulated plate armour.

How to Care for Your Chainmail Armour

To ensure this mail protection serves you well for a long time, it needs proper care:

1. Keep it Dry: After each use, especially if the armour got wet (rain, sweat), dry it thoroughly.
2. Clean off Rust: If any initial corrosion appears, gently remove it with a cloth moistened with a little oil, or very fine abrasive wool.
3. Oil Regularly: The best prevention against rust is regular treatment with a preservation oil (e.g., WD-40, Ballistol). Apply a thin layer and spread it evenly.
4. Store Properly: When not in use, store the armour in a dry place, ideally loosely hung or rolled and wrapped in an oiled cloth.
5. Expect Some Rub-off: Natural steel may initially cause slight staining on light-coloured underlayers. Wearing a darker gambeson or more frequent cleaning and oiling will mitigate this effect.

With this half chainmail shirt from Lord Of Battles®, you get not only a functional and historically inspired piece of armour but also flexibility and comfort for your next knightly adventures!