Chainmail Shirt with Integrated Coif, Zinc-Plated Iron Rings Ø10mm ID, Butted

Chainmail Shirt with Integrated Coif: Your Path to the Middle Ages (Zinc-Plated Iron Rings Ø10mm ID, Butted)

In the photo, you can see the complete set of a chainmail shirt with long sleeves and an integrated coif. The rings are butted and have a visible metallic sheen thanks to the zinc plating. The shirt has a classic cut that covers the torso and arms well, and the coif protects the head and neck.

What Can You Use This Chainmail Shirt For?

This chainmail armour is a versatile piece that you can use for many occasions:

• LARP and Historical Reenactment: You'll become a convincing warrior, knight, or Viking. The chainmail shirt offers good basic protection for the upper body and head in various scenarios, from Viking raids to battles like Hastings.
• Theatre and Film Productions: Adds authenticity to your historical costumes.
• Themed Events and Festivals: You'll stand out at medieval markets, fantasy festivals, or carnivals.
• Collector's Items: An original addition to the collection of any history, bladed weapon, or militaria enthusiast.

Wearing Tip: For maximum comfort and better weight distribution (as well as protection from stronger blows), we recommend always wearing a gambeson (padded jack/aketon) or another suitably padded layer of clothing under the chainmail shirt. You can wear the coif separately or combine it with various types of helmets, such as a popular kettle hat, for increased head protection.

Glimpses into the History of Chainmail Armour

Chainmail armour, also known as mail or maille, was one of the dominant forms of personal protection for warriors for centuries. Its roots go back to antiquity (for example, the Roman Lorica Hamata), and it was widely used throughout the Middle Ages. Soldiers from various cultures wore it, from Celts and Germanic tribes to Viking raiders and knightly armies during the Crusades. It offered effective protection primarily against slashing injuries and less penetrating thrusting attacks. Its effectiveness against heavy crushing blows or piercing projectiles (e.g., from crossbows) was significantly higher when combined with the aforementioned padded underlayer.

Advantages of the Material and Construction Used

Zinc-Plated Iron Rings

The zinc plating forms a protective barrier on the iron rings, shielding them from corrosion (rust). This makes your chainmail shirt more resistant to moisture and requires less maintenance than armour made from untreated iron or steel. You'll especially appreciate this after a demanding day in the "field."

Butted Rings

With butted rings, the ends of the wire forming the ring are simply pressed together. This manufacturing method is technologically simpler and faster than riveting each individual ring, making the resulting armour more affordable. For activities like LARP, theatre, or standard reenactment where full contact with sharp weapons is not expected, butted rings provide sufficient strength and safety while maintaining an excellent appearance.

Ring Parameters

The internal diameter (ID) of the rings is 10 mm, and the thickness of the wire used is approximately 1.291 mm (equivalent to 16 gauge). This combination is a proven compromise between the weight of the armour, its flexibility, and the level of protection that a butted construction can offer.

An Interesting Fact to Conclude

Did you know that making a single chainmail shirt in the Middle Ages was an extremely lengthy and demanding task? Each ring had to be handmade, shaped, and then interwoven with the others. A quality mail shirt could contain 20,000 to 50,000 rings (sometimes even more, depending on the size and density of the weave), and its creation could take a skilled armourer several months of hard work. That's why chainmail armour was a very valuable possession and was often passed down from father to son.

How to Care For Your Chainmail Shirt

To ensure your new armour serves you well for a long time and doesn't stain your clothing excessively, give it a little care:

1. Rust Prevention: Although the shirt is zinc-plated, wipe it with a dry cloth after each use, especially if it has become damp (from rain or sweat).
2. Storage: Store it in a dry and well-ventilated place. Definitely do not leave it in a humid environment or an airtight container for extended periods. Ideally, hang the shirt on a sturdy hanger or mannequin to distribute its weight and allow the rings to "breathe."
3. Cleaning: If minor dirt or signs of surface rust appear over time, you can clean the shirt carefully. Light dirt can be removed with a dry brush. For more thorough maintenance or to remove any rust (though this should be minimal with zinc-plated material), use a cloth lightly dampened with a preservative oil (e.g., WD-40, Ballistol, or another gun oil). After applying the oil, wipe the shirt thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess.
4. Minimising Stains on Clothing: New chainmail armour may initially shed small metal particles or zinc residues. Before wearing it over light-coloured clothing for the first time, you can wipe it down thoroughly with several dry cloths or briefly "knead" it while wearing gloves to dislodge any loose particles. Wearing a padded underlayer (like a gambeson) also eliminates this issue.

Available Sizes

We offer this chainmail shirt with coif in two sizes:

• Size M: For a maximum chest circumference of approx. 117 cm (approx. 46 inches) (measured over a gambeson or other garments you'll wear underneath).
• Size L: For a maximum chest circumference of approx. 132 cm (approx. 52 inches) (measured over a gambeson or other garments you'll wear underneath).

When choosing your size, always allow enough room for undergarments and freedom of movement.