Grendel's Maile
A Brief description.
Chainmail or "maille" is defined as "flexible armour of interlinked metal rings." Chainmail was used as armour primarily in the middle ages (500 - 1500 A.D.) when swords and other bladed weapons were used in battle. Historically, the use of chainmail dates back to around the 4th century BC. It was effective in that it would prevent a person from getting cut when taking a blow from a sword; although they would certainly still get bruised. Of course, in order for chainmail to be protective, padding must be worn underneath the chainmail. This padding is usually called a gambeson to cover the body, and an arming cap to cover the head.
Most chainmail armour from medieval times was actually riveted which is where each ring is made with an overlap and then the ring is flattened. Then a hole is punched through the overlap with a rivet driven into the hole punched. This was done for either all of, or half of the rings. (Sometimes they used half solid rings). It was a very lengthy process to create riveted maille, but it makes for very strong armour.
Today chainmail is made mostly by hobbyists and medievalists. Many things can be made out of chainmail like armour, clothing, jewelry, sculpture, and accessories, among other things, though I deal mainly with jewelry. Please check below for some pictures of maille.
Examples of Maile
Mike Maier
E-Mail: [email protected]
