Riveted Chainmail Bishop's Mantle | 9mm Steel Rings | Medieval Armour Collar for LARP & Reenactment

Riveted Chainmail Bishop's Mantle | 9mm Steel Rings | Medieval Armour Collar for LARP & Reenactment

Key Product Features

• Full Coverage: The mail collar completely covers the neck, shoulders, and the upper chest and back areas.
• Robust Construction: Every single ring is hand-riveted, guaranteeing maximum durability and resistance in combat.
• Historical Design: The vandyked (jagged) edge and brass buckles are faithfully based on historical examples from the 15th and 16th centuries.
• High-Quality Material: Zinc-plated steel significantly reduces susceptibility to rust.

Practical Applications

This type of chainmail standard is an invaluable piece of kit for anyone involved in:

• Historical Reenactment & Combat: Provides crucial protection for the neck and shoulders against strikes in battle.
• LARP (Live Action Role Play): Increases your safety and adds a layer of authenticity to your character.
• Costuming: Perfect as a foundation for a Landsknecht, mercenary, or knight costume.
• Theatre and Film: An authentic and functional prop for historical productions.

A Piece of History on Your Shoulders

Chainmail collars, known as bishop's mantles, saw their heyday at the turn of the 15th to the 16th century. They were extremely popular with the infamous mercenary soldiers – the Landsknechts. For them, a mail collar represented an ideal compromise between protection, mobility, and cost. Unlike a full mail coif, it was lighter and allowed for better ventilation, which was priceless during long battles.

Did You Know...?

The name 'bishop's mantle' didn't come from bishops wearing it into battle. It is derived from the wide, ornate collar that was part of a bishop's vestments, which this type of armour strongly resembled in its shape.

Why Choose Riveted and Zinc-Plated Mail?

The choice of material and construction is not accidental. Each feature has distinct advantages:

• Riveting (RRR - Round Ring Riveted): Unlike cheaper butted mail, where rings can be forced open by a strong blow, every ring here is secured with a rivet. This gives the weave tremendous strength and resilience. Your armour will last much longer and truly fulfill its protective function.
• Zinc-Plating: The galvanised finish provides excellent corrosion resistance. You won't have to worry about your collar rusting after the first fight in the rain, saving you a great deal of maintenance work.

Care and Maintenance

To ensure your mail collar serves you well for a long time, follow these simple care tips:

1. Keep it Dry: Always dry the mantle thoroughly after use, especially in damp conditions.
2. Oil for Storage: For long-term storage, lightly spray it with a preservative oil (like WD-40 or Ballistol) and wrap it in a cloth.
3. Reduce Grime: A new piece of mail may initially stain your gambeson with excess oil and abrasion dust. Before the first wear, wipe it down vigorously with a dry cloth. Any remaining residue will wear off with use.

Technical Specifications

• Weave Type: 4-in-1
• Ring Type: Round rings, riveted with round-head rivets (RRR)
• Internal Ring Diameter: approx. 9 mm
• Ring Thickness: approx. 1 mm
• Finish: Zinc-plated (galvanised)
• Materials: Steel, Leather, Brass Buckles
• Weight: approx. 3.5 kg
• Manufacturer: ULFBERTH®