Chainmail Shirt with Coif | 10mm 16g Butted Steel Rings, Zinc-Plated

Chainmail Shirt with Coif | 10mm 16g Butted Steel Rings, Zinc-Plated

Key Features

• Durable Material: The shirt is made from 16-gauge (approx. 1.6 mm) mild steel rings with a 10 mm inner diameter.
• Maintenance-Free Finish: The zinc-plated surface provides excellent protection against rust and is less likely to stain your garments compared to oiled versions.
• Authentic Construction: The traditional European 4-in-1 weave ensures great flexibility and a historically faithful look.
• Great Value for Money: You get a high-quality, functional piece of armour at a very competitive price.

Size Chart

When choosing your size, please remember that you will likely wear layers underneath your chainmail, such as a tunic or a gambeson. For the best fit, take your measurements while wearing these undergarments.

Versatile Applications

This chainmail armour is designed for maximum versatility. Its appearance and durability make it perfect for:

• LARP (Live-Action Role-Playing): Provides a fantastic costume foundation and basic protection.
• Cosplay: Embody your favourite knight or fantasy hero with an authentic accessory.
• Theatre and Film Props: A durable and believable prop that can withstand rough handling.
• Medieval Faires and Costume Events: Complete your outfit for Renaissance faires, festivals, or costume parties.

Please note: For full-contact historical combat or reenactment groups that require strict authenticity (like the SCA), we recommend considering riveted mail armour instead.

Historical Context & Material Advantages

Chainmail, also known as a hauberk or mail, was the dominant form of body armour for warriors in Europe and beyond for centuries. Its golden age was during the Early and High Middle Ages, protecting knights and foot soldiers primarily against cutting and slashing weapons. Its flexibility allowed the wearer a full range of motion, which was crucial in battle. This particular style, with its short sleeves and integrated coif, was typical for Norman knights and warriors of the 11th to 13th centuries.

Advantages of Butted, Zinc-Plated Rings

Butted rings, where the ends of the wire are simply pressed together, are a cost-effective alternative to more historically accurate riveted armour. While they would be weaker in a real battle, they are perfectly sufficient for LARP and cosplay. The zinc-plating is a modern treatment that saves you hours of cleaning and oiling. The steel is protected by a layer of zinc that prevents moisture and oxygen from reaching it, effectively stopping the process of corrosion.

A Piece of History

One of the most famous depictions of chainmail in action is undoubtedly the Bayeux Tapestry. This nearly 70-meter-long embroidered cloth details the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. On it, you can see dozens of Norman and Anglo-Saxon warriors clad in knee-length chainmail shirts and coifs, very similar to the one you can acquire here.

How to Care for Your Armour

Although this shirt is nearly maintenance-free thanks to its zinc-plating, proper care will extend its life and keep it in top condition.

• First Use: New armour may have production residue and loose zinc flakes. Before wearing it over light-coloured clothing, wipe it down thoroughly with a dry cloth. You can also tumble it gently in an old pillowcase to remove any loose particles.
• Storage: After each use, especially if it gets wet, allow it to dry completely. Store it in a dry, ventilated area, ideally on a sturdy, wide hanger that can support its weight.
• Repairs: If a ring should open or become damaged over time, you can easily repair it with two pairs of pliers. Likewise, if the zinc coating gets significantly scratched in one spot, some surface rust may appear. Simply clean it off with a light wire brush and apply a drop of oil to seal the spot.