Chainmail Shoulder and Arm Protection (Voiders): 9mm Steel Round Rings, Fully Riveted

Lord Of Battles Chainmail Shoulder and Arm Protection (Voiders): 9mm Steel Round Rings, Fully Riveted

What Can This Mail Protection Do for You?

These chainmail sleeves with shoulder protection are an excellent choice if you want to:

• Supplement your plate armour: They perfectly cover gaps in the shoulder, upper arm, and potentially armpit areas, thereby increasing your overall protection.
• Optimise the weight of your gear: They provide targeted protection for key areas without the need to wear a heavy, full chainmail shirt under your plates.
• Achieve a historically accurate look: Especially for portraying knights and men-at-arms from the 15th century, when such ancillaries were common.
• Maintain maximum mobility: The construction allows for free arm movement, which is crucial in combat.
• Use it for re-enactment, LARP, or historical festivals: It adds authenticity and functionality to your costume.

A Glimpse into History: Clever Additions to Plate Armour

Throughout the 15th century, also known as the Italian Quattrocento, plate armour reached the zenith of its sophistication. Knights and heavily armoured combatants were almost entirely encased in steel plates. However, areas like the armpits or the crooks of limbs remained less covered for mobility reasons. This is precisely why voiders (or mail gussets and ancillaries) became widespread – specifically shaped pieces of mail that were sewn into the gambeson or attached to the plates to protect these sensitive spots. This product is a modern interpretation of such protection, combining shoulder and arm coverage into a single functional unit that excellently balances protection and mobility, just as warriors of that era required.

Advantages of the Material and Construction

Mild Steel

This mail protection is made from durable mild steel rings. This material is proven for its reliability and ability to absorb impact energy, which is crucial for protective armour.

Fully Riveted 9mm Round Rings

Crucial for strength and durability is the fact that round rings with an inner diameter of 9mm and a wire thickness of approximately 1.6mm (18 gauge, consistent with typical mail of this type) are used. As confirmed by the detailed photograph, every single ring in the classic 4-in-1 pattern is meticulously joined with a round rivet. This method of construction is significantly stronger than butted rings (rings that are simply pushed together) and ensures that the mail will withstand demanding conditions and not pull apart upon impact.

Size Chart

For the correct fit, please carefully measure your chest circumference, ideally over the gambeson or other garments you plan to wear under this mail protection. Measurements are provided in centimetres, with approximate inch conversions.

Note: According to the provided chart, data for size XXL is not listed, and it may not be standardly available.

An Interesting Fact from History

Targeted protection using mail ancillaries like voiders allowed 15th-century knights not only to better protect critical areas but also to significantly reduce the overall weight of their armour compared to wearing a full chainmail shirt beneath a complete suit of plate. This optimisation of weight and protection was crucial for their endurance and effectiveness on battlefields where increasingly sophisticated weapons and armour clashed.

How to Care for Your Chainmail Armour

To ensure your new mail protection serves you reliably for a long time, give it a little care:

1. Keep it Dry: After each use, especially if the armour has become damp (rain, sweat), wipe it thoroughly and allow it to dry.
2. Oil Regularly: Steel is susceptible to rust. Therefore, regularly treat it with a thin layer of preservation oil (e.g., WD-40, Ballistol). This is especially important before long-term storage.
3. Clean off Rust: If surface rust appears despite care, gently remove it with an oil-soaked cloth or a very fine steel brush/wool.
4. Store Properly: When not in use, store the armour in a dry place. You can hang it loosely or roll it up and wrap it in an oiled cloth.
5. Expect Some Rub-off: New steel armour may initially cause slight staining on underlying clothing. Wearing a darker gambeson or undergarment will help minimise this. Regular cleaning and oiling will reduce this effect over time.

With this chainmail shoulder and arm protection from Lord Of Battles®, you acquire not only a functional and historically faithful addition to your armour but also greater confidence and flexibility in every battle and adventure!