Roman Chainmail Lorica Hamata, Butted Round Rings 9 mm, Shoulder Doubling

Roman Chainmail Lorica Hamata, Butted Round Rings 9 mm, Shoulder Doubling

Authentic Design and Construction

This Lorica Hamata is crafted from round wire rings with a thickness of approx. 1.3 mm (16 gauge). The rings have an inner diameter of 9 mm and are assembled using the "butted" method. This means the ring ends are simply pressed together. This construction is affordable and absolutely sufficient for costume purposes.

A distinctive feature of this armour is the characteristic shoulder doubling (humeral), mimicking the reinforced shoulder protection typical of ancient armour. This doubling is edged all around with real leather in a dark brown colour. The leather is stitched to the mesh, which not only looks great but also protects your neck and clothing underneath from abrasion. On the chest, this doubling is secured by striking brass hooks in the shape of stylized snakes or S-curves, which fasten onto brass studs. This detail adds a touch of luxury and historical fidelity to the piece.

Technical Specifications and Size Chart

To ensure the armour fits perfectly, please pay attention to the size chart below. Chainmail should fit looser than regular clothing; allow some extra room for padding (subarmalis) or a tunic.

• Ring Material: Mild Steel
• Wire Gauge: approx. 1.3 mm (16 gauge)
• Inner Ring Diameter: 9 mm
• Assembly Type: Butted (rings are not riveted)
• Additional Materials: Real leather, brass fittings

Historical Context: From Celts to Romans

Did you know that the Romans didn't invent chainmail but adopted it from their enemies—the Celts? The Celts were masters of ironworking, and the mail shirt was their invention. The Roman army, known for its pragmatism, quickly adopted this technology, incorporating it into their arsenal under the name Lorica Hamata. It was used for centuries by both heavy infantry (principes, triarii) and auxiliaries, valued for its flexibility and good protection against slashing attacks.

Care and Maintenance

Since the armour is made of mild steel, it is prone to rust. To keep it looking like new for as long as possible, follow these guidelines:

• Storage: Keep the armour dry. Never leave it damp inside a closed bag.
• Oiling: Regularly treat the armour with conservation oil (e.g., WD-40 or mineral oil). The armour is shipped heavily oiled; we recommend wiping off excess oil with an old rag before the first use to avoid staining your tunic.
• Rust Removal: If surface rust appears, it can be easily removed by rubbing the chainmail in a bag with sand or using a fine abrasive pad with oil.

Important Usage Warning

This armour is made of butted rings. Under strong impact or heavy tension, the rings can bend open and fall out. Therefore:

• It is NOT suitable for full-contact combat, Buhurt, or HMB. Using it for these activities risks destroying the armour and injuring the wearer.
• It is ideal for costume purposes, LARP (where foam weapons are used), and scenic fencing where no direct hard hits to the armour occur.
• Avoid pulling sharply on the shoulder flaps when putting it on.

For a complete look, we recommend pairing the armour with a Roman tunic, a belt (cingulum), and a suitable helmet, all of which you can find in our catalogue.