Short Chainmail Shirt with Sleeves, 9mm Butted Spring Steel

Short Chainmail Shirt with Sleeves, 9mm Butted Spring Steel

Detailed Product Description

This half chainmail shirt is cut in the style of a short bolero or vest, covering the shoulders, upper chest, and back. It features short sleeves that reach to about the biceps. The lower hem at the back is elegantly scalloped, a typical detail of late-Gothic armour. The mail is constructed from round, butted (non-riveted) rings with a 9 mm inner diameter in the classic European 4-in-1 weave. The use of 16-gauge (approx. 1.6 mm) spring steel gives the rings far greater strength and resistance to opening than standard mild steel.

Potential Uses

This type of chainmail armour is ideal for:

• 15th-Century Reenactment: The perfect complement to a Gothic plate harness, protecting the armpits and shoulders beneath spaulders and rerebraces.
• LARP and Cosplay: Creates the impression of full mail protection without the full weight, which you'll appreciate during all-day events.
• Building Your Own Armour: A key component for a historically accurate and comfortable harness.

Important Notice on Combat-Readiness

Although strong spring steel is used, this is an item of butted mail. For this reason, it is NOT SUITABLE for full-contact combat (like HMB, buhurt, etc.), where repeated powerful blows could force the rings open. For these activities, always choose a riveted mail option.

Size Chart

The measurements in the chart are of the garment itself. When choosing your size, remember to account for the gambeson or padding you will wear underneath.

The Short Mail Shirt in History

In the 15th century, at the zenith of the age of plate armour, knights and soldiers sought to optimize their protection while minimizing weight. A full mail hauberk under a cuirass was heavy and redundant. In its place, specialized pieces like this one appeared, designed to cover only the gaps in the plate harness—primarily the shoulders, armpits, and upper arms. This style was particularly popular in Italy during the Quattrocento period and represents a sophisticated and efficient approach to armour construction.

A Fun Fact from History

The weight savings were a game-changer. While a full mail hauberk could weigh 10-15 kg, this targeted protection weighed only a fraction of that, often around 3-5 kg. The energy saved meant a warrior had more stamina in battle, a factor that could easily decide their survival.

How to Care for Your Armour

To ensure your mail serves you well and remains rust-free, give it some basic care:

• After every use, wipe it thoroughly dry to remove sweat and moisture.
• Regularly give it a light coat of a spray-on preservative oil (e.g., WD-40, Ballistol). Wipe off any excess with a rag.
• Store it in a dry, ventilated area. Never leave it in a damp bag.
• If a ring should open over time, it can be easily repaired with two pairs of pliers.