Blackened Steel Chainmail Aventail, 9 mm Flat Rings, Alternating Riveted and Solid - Outlet

Chainmail Aventail "Black Guardian" | 9 mm Flat Rings, Alternating Riveted & Solid

Construction and Usage

This aventail features a historically accurate mixed construction. It consists of alternating rows: one row of flat rings riveted with round rivets (domed rivets), and the next row of solid, punched flat rings. This technique was widely used in history because it provided excellent structural integrity while reducing the labour required compared to fully riveted mail. The material used is mild steel with a blackened finish.

A thick strip of genuine cowhide leather is stitched to the top edge of the mail mesh. This leather collar is the interface for attaching the aventail to your helmet:

• Sewing: You can stitch the leather band directly onto the padded liner of your helmet.
• Vervelles: If your helmet features vervelles (small protruding staples), you can punch holes in the leather to match, slot it over the vervelles, and secure it with a leather cord or wire.

Historical Context

In the 14th century, the aventail replaced the separate coif worn under the great helm. Attached directly to the rim of the bascinet, the aventail protected the throat and neck while allowing the weight of the mail to hang from the helmet rather than the wearer's shoulders. This design offered superior mobility and peripheral vision, crucial for close-quarters combat. The mixed ring construction seen here is a faithful reproduction of surviving museum examples from the late Middle Ages.

Specifications

Please check the dimensions below to ensure this aventail fits your helmet and needs:

Care and Maintenance

While the blackened finish offers some resistance to rust, mild steel will corrode if neglected. To keep your aventail in top condition:

• Always dry the chainmail thoroughly after use, especially if it has been exposed to sweat or rain.
• Apply a light coat of maintenance oil (such as WD-40 or a mineral oil) to the rings regularly.
• Store in a dry, ventilated area.
• Treat the leather collar with a leather conditioner occasionally to prevent cracking, but avoid over-saturating the stitching area.

Important Warnings

Do not attempt to wash this product in a washing machine or submerge it in water, as this will ruin the finish and cause rust. This item is made of mild steel rings; while sturdy for re-enactment, always assess the safety requirements of your specific combat sport (e.g., full-contact buhurt often requires specific steel grades).

We recommend pairing this aventail with a padded arming cap and a suitable medieval helmet from our collection.