Haubergeon Chain Mail with Three-Quarter Sleeves, Riveted Flat Rings Alternate with Solid Rings, 6 mm, Mild Steel

Lord Of Battles Steel Haubergeon: 3/4 Sleeves, 6mm Flat Riveted Alternating with Solid Rings

How Can You Use This Haubergeon?

This sturdy chainmail haubergeon is the ideal choice if you're looking for reliable protection and an authentic look for:

• Historical Re-enactment and Living History: Whether you're portraying a Viking raiding the coasts, a Norman knight at the Battle of Hastings, or any other medieval warrior, this chainmail shirt will lend credibility to your gear and provide necessary protection. (Always adhere to the safety rules of the specific event and consider adding a gambeson!)
• LARP (Live Action Role Play): It perfectly complements your costume, whether you're a brave paladin, a cunning mercenary, or a rugged northerner, helping you to fully immerse yourself in your role.
• Costume Creation: It's perfectly suited for theatrical performances, film shoots, or as the centrepiece of an elaborate costume for historical festivals, fairs, or fantasy conventions.
• Collectibles and Decoration: It can also be an impressive exhibit in your collection or a dominant element in a stylish interior.

Armour of Warriors Past

The chainmail haubergeon, as a shorter and often more practical version of the full chainmail shirt (hauberk), was the typical protective gear for warriors, knights, and even better-off infantrymen, especially during the Early and High Middle Ages (approx. 9th - 13th centuries). It was worn, for example, by Viking raiders on their expeditions or by Norman and Anglo-Saxon warriors in decisive battles such as the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066. It provided essential protection for the torso, shoulders, and upper arms against the common cutting and thrusting weapons of the time, while its length and sleeve cut still allowed for good mobility.

Advantages of Steel and Elaborate Riveting

Carbon Steel (Mild Steel)

The carbon steel (mild steel) used is an excellent compromise between historical authenticity and modern requirements for durability and maintenance. The rings, with an inner diameter of 6mm made from 18-gauge wire (approx. 1.2mm), create a dense and strong weave. This material is tough enough to withstand the rigours of battle re-enactment while not being unnecessarily heavy.

Flat Rings Riveted with Round Rivets, Alternating with Solid Rings

The combination of flat rings and alternating rows of riveted rings with rows of solid (stamped) rings is a clever solution for achieving maximum protection and strength. Flat rings themselves cover the surface area better than round wire rings of the same gauge. Each riveted ring is securely closed with a round rivet, dramatically increasing resistance to tearing compared to simple butted (unwelded or unriveted) rings. Alternating with solid rings is a historically documented method that further strengthened the armour and could also slightly increase production efficiency. The classic European 4-in-1 weave (each ring is linked to four others) then ensures optimal flexibility and energy distribution upon impact.

Size Chart

Carefully choose the size that fits you best. Don't forget to measure your chest circumference including any gambeson or other padding you will wear underneath the shirt. If you are between sizes, we recommend choosing the larger one.

Note on sleeve length: The sleeve length in the chart may seem shorter, but as the product photos show, the actual coverage of the sleeves is comfortably three-quarter, extending beyond the elbow. (Approx. M: 9.8 in, L: 11 in, XL: 11.8 in, XXL: 12.9 in for sleeve length; M: 33.8 in, L: 35.8 in, XL: 37.7 in, XXL: 40.1 in for shirt length).

An Interesting Fact from History

The use of flat rings, often in combination with riveting, provided denser and more resilient protection against piercing and slashing attacks in the Middle Ages than simple butted round wire rings. Flat rings filled gaps more effectively and offered greater resistance to arrowheads or sword points. That's why they were a popular choice for warriors seeking an optimal balance between protection, weight, and the cost of armour.

How to Care for Your Chainmail

To ensure your new haubergeon serves you for a long time, give it a little care. Steel armour requires regular maintenance to prevent rust and excessive staining:

1. Keep it Dry: After each use, especially if the armour got wet (rain, sweat), dry it thoroughly.
2. Clean off Rust: If surface rust (light rusting) appears, gently remove it with a coarse cloth, very fine abrasive fleece, or a brush dipped in a small amount of oil.
3. Preserve with Oil: After cleaning and drying, lightly coat the armour with a preservation oil (e.g., WD-40, Ballistol, or even acid-free machine oil). Spread a thin layer of oil over the entire surface with a cloth. This will significantly limit moisture access and corrosion.
4. Store Properly: When not in use, store the armour in a dry place, ideally hung on a wide hanger (to distribute the weight) or loosely rolled in an oiled cloth.
5. Expect Some Rub-off: Especially new steel armour may initially leave slight dark marks on undergarments. Wearing a gambeson or thicker underclothing will minimise this effect. Regular cleaning and oiling will reduce rub-off over time.

This chainmail haubergeon from Lord Of Battles® is an excellent investment in your historical equipment. It offers honest craftsmanship and fidelity to historical models, so you'll always be ready for any adventure!