Chainmail Voiders: Sleeves, Shoulders & Hips – 6mm Steel Flat Rings, Riveted & Solid Alternating

Lord Of Battles Chainmail Voiders: Sleeves, Shoulders & Hips – 6mm Steel Flat Rings, Riveted & Solid Alternating

What Can These Voiders Do for You?

This set of chainmail sleeves with integrated shoulder and hip protection is ideal when you:

• Wear a cuirass or brigandine: It provides protection for the arms, shoulders, and upper hip area where your main torso armour ends.
• Want to reduce the weight of your gear: It eliminates the need to wear a full chainmail shirt under plate or other torso armour, thus conserving your energy.
• Value historical accuracy: Suitable for portraying 14th and 15th-century mercenaries or foot soldiers.
• Need freedom of movement: Targeted protection does not restrict your mobility in key areas.
• Participate in re-enactments, LARP events, or historical festivals: It enhances the authenticity of your costume while providing functional protection.

A Glimpse into History: The Clever Evolution of Armour

In the 14th and 15th centuries, as plate armour became increasingly dominant, warriors sought ways to effectively protect body parts not covered by plates without unnecessarily increasing overall weight. Chainmail was still prized for its flexibility but was also expensive and heavy when it came to a full shirt. Therefore, specialised mail ancillaries, such as these "voiders" (sometimes referred to as "mail sleeves with gussets"), emerged. These armour parts were particularly worn by mercenaries and foot soldiers whose torsos were already protected by a cuirass or brigandine. Partial chainmail thus represented a more economical and practical solution, providing necessary protection where it was most needed.

Advantages of the Material and Precise Construction

Mild Steel and Surface Finish

The voiders are handmade from mild (carbon) steel rings with a wire thickness of 1.0mm (corresponding to 18 gauge). This material is known for its toughness and ability to withstand impacts. The natural surface finish, only lightly oiled, provides an authentic look and basic protection against corrosion.

Riveted 6mm Flat Rings Alternating with Solid Flat Rings

The key to this armour's resilience is the use of flat rings with an inner diameter of approximately 6mm. Flat rings offer better coverage than round rings of the same size. The construction utilises alternating rows of flat rings, which are solidly joined with dome-headed rivets, and rows of solid flat rings. This "1-in-2" or similar alternating construction method ensures extraordinary strength against tearing and piercing, far exceeding that of simple butted rings.

Available Sizes

This mail protection is supplied in sizes M, L, XL, and XXL to suit a wide range of warriors. You can find the precise dimensions for each size (such as shoulder circumference, sleeve length, and side protection length) in the size chart, which is usually provided with the product on the seller's page or directly on an additional image from the manufacturer.

An Interesting Fact from History

The specialisation of individual armour components, such as voiders, sleeves, or mail collars, is an excellent example of the advanced understanding not only of metallurgy but also of biomechanics in the late Middle Ages. Armourers were able to adapt protection to the specific needs of different types of combatants and their fighting styles, leading to the creation of highly functional and often aesthetically impressive pieces of armour.

How to Care for Your Chainmail Armour

To ensure your new voiders serve you as well and as long as possible, follow a few simple care principles:

1. Keep it Dry: After each use, especially if the armour has become damp (rain, sweat), dry it thoroughly.
2. Oil Regularly: For protection against rust, regular treatment with a preservation oil (e.g., WD-40, Ballistol) is the best prevention. Apply a thin layer and spread it evenly.
3. Clean off Rust: Should surface rust appear, gently remove it with an oil-soaked cloth or very fine abrasive wool.
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 these chainmail voiders from Lord Of Battles®, you acquire not only a piece of historically accurate and functional armour but also greater confidence and flexibility for your heroic deeds on the field of honour and fun!