Steel Chainmail Aventail (Collar) with Leather Trim and Dagged Edge (Riveted Round/Solid Flat Rings Ø10mm)

Steel Chainmail Aventail (Collar) with Leather Trim and Dagged Edge (Riveted Round/Solid Flat Rings Ø10mm)

This chainmail collar is designed for truly versatile use and will become a showpiece of your gear. Its primary purpose is to function as an aventail – so you can attach it to the lower edge of your helmet (typically, bascinets, for example, were supplemented this way), creating authentic and historically accurate protection for your neck, nape, shoulders, and upper chest. However, you can just as well wear it separately, draped over your padded jack, gambeson, or other garment, where it serves as an elegant yet functional protection for the neck and shoulders. The distinctive decorative dagged edges on its lower border lend a special uniqueness, dynamism, and period accuracy to your appearance, whether you are portraying a proud knight, an experienced man-at-arms, or another medieval or fantasy character at LARP, historical festivals, or theatrical performances.

Historical Use and Significance of Aventails

Chainmail collars, known in medieval terminology as aventails (from the French "aventaille"), were a typical and widespread component of protective gear, especially in the 14th and early 15th centuries. Their main task was to protect the neck, nape, shoulders, and upper chest – areas that the helmet itself (most commonly various types of bascinets) did not cover. Aventails were attached to the lower edge of the helmet by means of a leather strip and laces, eyelets, or special rivets (so-called vervelles). The chainmail provided excellent flexible protection while allowing the wearer free head movement, which was crucial in hectic combat. The decoratively cut lower edges, known as 'dagged edges', served not only for adornment but also reflected the Gothic fashion and aesthetics of the time, which influenced not only civilian clothing but also the appearance of armour.

Advantages of the Material and Specific Ring Construction

The collar is crafted from high-quality mild steel, which guarantees its strength and durability even with demanding use. The weaving method used, where rows of round rings (each individual ring carefully and firmly fastened with a durable dome-head rivet) alternate with rows of solid flat rings (punched from steel sheet), is a proven and historically documented construction method. This technique, often referred to as 'alternating', provides excellent protection – the riveted connections prevent unintentional opening of the rings, while the solid flat rings increase the overall integrity and density of the mail. The 10 mm inner diameter of the rings represents a good compromise between solid protective effect and a reasonable overall weight for the collar.

A Piece of History: Fashion and Function in Armour

The decorative dagged edges that so characteristically trim the lower border of this aventail are not a random or modern design element. Cut-out, serrated, and dagged hems were an extremely popular and fashionable feature of Gothic clothing in the 14th and 15th centuries. This style was found on sleeves, cloaks, tunics, and other parts of civilian attire across various social classes. It is fascinating to observe how these fashion influences were also reflected in the appearance and design of armour pieces. They show us that medieval warriors and knights also certainly paid attention to aesthetics, and their armour was not always a purely functional item but often mirrored contemporary artistic and fashion trends, as well as the pursuit of a representative and impressive appearance.

How to Care for Your Chainmail Collar

To ensure your new chainmail collar serves you for a long time in full splendor and function, please observe proper care, especially considering the combination of steel and leather:

• Before First Use: We recommend lightly wiping the chainmail with a dry, clean cloth to remove any excess preservative oil from manufacturing and storage. You can preemptively treat the leather trim with a high-quality leather care product (wax or balm) to waterproof and soften it.
• After Each Use: If the collar has become damp (whether from rain, snow, or sweat), it is absolutely essential to dry it as soon as possible and very thoroughly. Pay special attention to areas where the metal rings touch the leather trim to prevent moisture transfer to the leather.
• Regular Maintenance: Regularly treat the chainmail section with a thin layer of preservative oil (e.g., WD-40, Ballistol). Always wipe off excess oil carefully. Clean and subsequently waterproof the leather trim as needed with products suitable for smooth leather to maintain its suppleness and resilience.
• Storage: Store the collar in a dry and well-ventilated place. Ideally, hang it or lay it out loosely so that the rings do not deform and the leather can 'breathe' and is not compressed.

Approximate Dimensions and Weight

This chainmail collar (aventail) is designed to offer optimal protection for the neck and shoulders while maintaining good head mobility. Its key dimensions are:

• Approximate total weight: 1040 g (approx. 2.29 lbs)
• Approximate inner neck circumference (measured at the leather trim): 47 cm (approx. 18.5 inches)
• Approximate length of the mail drape (measured from the lower edge of the leather trim to the tips of the longest dags): 34 cm (approx. 13.4 inches)
• Width of the leather trim: 6 cm (approx. 2.36 inches)

These details will help you better assess how the collar will fit with your helmet or your physique.

Additional Information

This is a high-quality and detailed product from the Lord Of Battles® brand. This chainmail collar with its characteristic decorative dagged edges is not only a functional protective element of your armour but also an expressive accessory that perfectly underscores the authenticity and uniqueness of your historical or fantasy character.