Chainmail Sleeves (Voiders) for Arms and Shoulders: Riveted & Solid Steel Rings Ø9mm, Blackened

Chainmail Sleeves (Voiders) for Arms and Shoulders: Riveted & Solid Steel Rings Ø9mm, Blackened

This is a pair of chainmail sleeves (voiders) that cover the entire arms from the shoulders to the wrists. They also extend onto parts of the chest and back, effectively protecting the armpits. The rings are dark and blackened. A close-up view reveals that round rings are used, with an alternating pattern of riveted rings (with visible dome-shaped rivet heads) and solid rings. The sleeves feature sewn-on attachment points, likely made of leather or fabric, along their top edges for securing them to an undergarment such as a gambeson or arming doublet.

How Can You Use These Chainmail Sleeves?

These chainmail sleeves are an ideal addition to your armour, whether you are involved in:

• LARP (Live Action Role Play): Enhance your character's presence and gain functional protection.
• Historical Fencing and Reenactment: Augment your historical armour with an authentic protective element used by warriors for centuries.
• Film and Theatre: Add authenticity and visual appeal to costumes.
• Cosplay and Costume Events: Perfect for portraying knights, warriors, and other historical or fantasy characters.

You can wear them under plate armour to cover gaps, or as standalone arm protection over a gambeson or other suitable garment. The integrated ties make them easy to attach and adjust.

A Glimpse into History: Chainmail Sleeves Through Time

Chainmail, known since antiquity (often attributed to the Celts as inventors, though they were extensive users), provided effective protection against cutting and thrusting weapons. With the evolution of plate armour in the 14th and 15th centuries, a need arose to protect areas that plates could not efficiently cover, such as armpits, the inner elbows, or the groin. This is where voiders or gussets came into play – separate pieces of mail, typically sewn or tied to an arming garment (gambeson or aketon) worn beneath the plate harness. They offered additional protection without significantly restricting movement.

Advantages of the Material and Construction

Riveted and Alternating Solid Rings

The combination of riveted and solid rings is a historically accurate and highly durable construction method. Each riveted ring is closed with a rivet, preventing it from being forced open under impact or stress. Solid rings (e.g., welded or punched) further enhance the overall strength of the mail. This type of linkage is significantly more reliable than butted mail (where ring ends are simply pressed together).

• High Durability: Rivets hold the rings securely.
• Flexibility: The mail fabric conforms well to body movements.
• Historical Accuracy: This method was commonly used in the medieval period.

Blackened Surface

The blackening (a form of chemical bluing or patination) of the steel rings provides:

• Basic Corrosion Resistance: Helps protect the steel from rust.
• Desirable Aesthetic: A dark surface is less conspicuous and aligns with period preferences for certain types of armour.

Steel Rings Ø9mm (Gauge 18)

Rings with a 9mm diameter made from Gauge 18 wire (approx. 1.2mm) offer a good compromise between protection, weight, and flexibility. They are strong enough to withstand common impacts in simulated combat while not being overly cumbersome.

Interesting Historical Fact

Did you know that chainmail was so highly valued it was often passed down through generations? Damaged pieces were painstakingly repaired by replacing individual rings, a testament to its longevity and worth. During the Crusades, chainmail was standard equipment for knights and soldiers, protecting them from enemy weapons in the hot climate of the Middle East.

Product Specifications

• Material: Steel
• Ring Type: Round rings, alternatingly dome-head riveted and solid
• Ring Diameter: approx. 9 mm
• Wire Gauge of Riveted Rings: Gauge 18 (approx. 1.2 mm)
• Finish: Blackened
• Available Sizes: M/L, XL/XXL

This is a handmade product; dimensions and weight may vary slightly from piece to piece.

How to Care For Your Chainmail Sleeves

To ensure your chainmail sleeves serve you well for a long time and to minimize soiling of your garments, follow these care tips:

1. Keep Dry: Moisture is the primary enemy of steel armour. After each use, especially if they have become damp (from rain or sweat), dry them thoroughly.
2. Cleaning: Remove coarse dirt with a brush. For more significant soiling, you can use a cloth lightly dampened with soapy water, but ensure the sleeves are dried immediately and completely afterwards.
3. Oiling: Periodically (especially before extended storage or after exposure to moisture), lightly oil the sleeves. Use gun oil or a light mineral oil (e.g., sewing machine oil). Apply a thin coat and wipe off any excess with a dry cloth. This helps prevent rust and reduces the rub-off of the blackening onto undergarments.
4. Storage: Store in a dry, well-ventilated place. Do not leave them lying on the ground or in a damp cellar.
5. Minimizing Staining: Before the first wear, or if the sleeves are rubbing off excessively, you can try "shaking them out" or rubbing them with a coarse cloth to remove any loose blackening residue or dust from manufacturing. Ensuring the oil is well wiped off will also minimize color transfer.

With this high-quality chainmail protection from Lord Of Battles®, you'll be ready for any adventure!