Riveted mail
Riveted mail! That's a fascinating topic.
Riveted mail, also known as riveted armor or riveted plate armor, was a type of armor used in medieval Europe during the 14th to 16th centuries. It was a significant improvement over earlier forms of armor, such as chain mail, and played a crucial role in the development of medieval warfare.
Here's a brief overview:
What is riveted mail?
Riveted mail is a type of armor made from small, articulated plates of metal (usually steel or iron) that are riveted together to form a protective garment. The plates are typically rectangular or hexagonal in shape and are connected by rivets, which are small metal fasteners that hold the plates together.
How was it made?
The process of making riveted mail was labor-intensive and required great skill. Artisans would cut and shape the metal plates, then rivet them together using a hammer and anvil. The rivets were usually made from the same metal as the plates and were shaped like small nails.
Advantages over chain mail
Riveted mail offered several advantages over chain mail, which was the dominant form of armor at the time:
- Better protection: Riveted mail provided better protection against slashing and piercing attacks, as the plates were thicker and more rigid than chain mail.
- Improved mobility: Riveted mail was more flexible than chain mail, allowing for greater mobility and ease of movement.
- Increased durability: Riveted mail was more resistant to damage and wear than chain mail, as the plates were less prone to tangling and breaking.
Types of riveted mail
There were several types of riveted mail, including:
- Riveted plate armor: This was the most common type, consisting of articulated plates that covered the torso, arms, and legs.
- Riveted cuirass: A type of armor that covered the torso and was often worn by knights and men-at-arms.
- Riveted brigandine: A type of armor that covered the torso and was often worn by infantrymen.
Decline of riveted mail
Riveted mail eventually fell out of favor due to the development of new technologies and materials, such as firearms and plate armor. By the 17th century, riveted mail had largely been replaced by more advanced forms of armor, such as plate armor and cuirasses.
I hope this brief introduction to riveted mail has been informative and interesting!