Riveted mail sleeveless

A fascinating topic!

Riveted mail sleeveless is a type of armor that was used in medieval Europe, particularly during the 12th to 14th centuries. It's also known as "maille" or "chainmail."

Here's a brief overview:

What is riveted mail?

Riveted mail is a type of armor made from interlocking iron rings, typically made from steel or iron, that are riveted together to form a protective garment. The rings are usually hexagonal or square in shape and are linked together to create a flexible, yet protective, armor.

What is sleeveless?

Sleeveless refers to the fact that this type of armor does not have sleeves. Instead, it's designed to be worn over the torso, covering the chest, back, and arms, but leaving the hands and forearms exposed.

Characteristics

Riveted mail sleeveless armor typically has the following characteristics:

  1. Flexibility: The interlocking rings allow for flexibility and movement, making it suitable for combat and other activities that require mobility.
  2. Protection: The armor provides excellent protection against slashing and piercing attacks, as well as some protection against blunt trauma.
  3. Weight: Riveted mail sleeveless armor is relatively lightweight compared to other types of armor, making it easier to wear and move around in.
  4. Cost: Riveted mail sleeveless armor was relatively expensive to produce, making it accessible only to the wealthy and nobility.

Examples and historical context

Riveted mail sleeveless armor was used by various medieval armies, including the Crusaders, the Knights Templar, and the English and French armies. Some notable examples include:

  1. The armor of King Richard the Lionheart, who wore a riveted mail sleeveless armor during the Third Crusade.
  2. The armor of the Knights Templar, who wore a similar type of armor during the 12th to 14th centuries.

Conclusion

Riveted mail sleeveless armor was an important type of armor in medieval Europe, providing protection and flexibility for knights and warriors. Its unique design and construction made it a popular choice for many armies and nobles, and its legacy can still be seen in modern armor designs.