Blackened scale mail

A fascinating topic!

Blackened scale mail, also known as "blackened armor" or "blackened scale armor," is a type of armor that was used in medieval Europe, particularly during the 12th to 14th centuries. It was a popular choice among knights and men-at-arms due to its effectiveness in protecting against slashing and piercing attacks.

Here's a brief overview:

Construction: Blackened scale mail was made by attaching small, overlapping scales (usually made of iron or steel) to a fabric or leather backing. The scales were typically rectangular in shape and ranged in size from 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) in length. The scales were attached to the backing using wire, rivets, or stitching.

Blackening: The armor was "blackened" by applying a layer of blackened metal or a black oxide coating to the scales. This was done to:

  1. Reduce visibility: The blackened coating made the armor less visible on the battlefield, making it harder for enemies to target the wearer.
  2. Increase durability: The blackened coating helped to protect the underlying metal from rust and corrosion.
  3. Improve appearance: The blackened finish gave the armor a sleek, menacing appearance that was intimidating to opponents.

Advantages: Blackened scale mail offered several advantages over other types of armor:

  1. Flexibility: The scales allowed for greater flexibility and mobility than plate armor, making it suitable for cavalry and infantry alike.
  2. Protection: The overlapping scales provided excellent protection against slashing and piercing attacks, while the blackened coating helped to deflect arrows and other projectiles.
  3. Weight: Blackened scale mail was generally lighter than plate armor, making it easier to wear for extended periods.

Disadvantages: While blackened scale mail was an effective armor, it had some drawbacks:

  1. Maintenance: The blackened coating required regular maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion.
  2. Limited protection: While the armor provided good protection against slashing and piercing attacks, it was less effective against blunt trauma or crushing blows.
  3. Limited mobility: While the scales allowed for some flexibility, the armor was still relatively heavy and restrictive, limiting the wearer's mobility.

Legacy: Blackened scale mail was widely used during the Middle Ages and remained popular until the introduction of plate armor in the 14th century. Although it's no longer used in modern warfare, blackened scale mail remains an important part of medieval armor history and is still studied and recreated by historians and reenactors today.