Riveted mail vs butted mail

A great topic for medieval armor enthusiasts!

Riveted mail and butted mail are two different methods of constructing mail armor, a type of body armor made from interlocking iron rings.

Riveted Mail:

In riveted mail, the individual mail rings are connected to each other using small metal rivets. The rings are punched with a hole and a rivet is inserted through the hole, then hammered flat to secure the ring in place. This method provides a strong and flexible connection between the rings, allowing for a high degree of mobility and protection.

Riveted mail was commonly used in medieval Europe, particularly during the 12th to 14th centuries. It was popular among knights and men-at-arms due to its effectiveness against slashing and piercing attacks.

Butted Mail:

In butted mail, the individual mail rings are connected to each other by overlapping the ends of the rings and hammering them together to form a strong bond. This method does not require rivets, as the overlapping rings provide a secure connection.

Butted mail was also used in medieval Europe, particularly during the 11th to 13th centuries. It was popular among lighter armored troops, such as crossbowmen and archers, who required a more flexible and agile armor.

Comparison:

Both riveted and butted mail have their advantages and disadvantages:

Riveted Mail:

Butted Mail:

In summary, riveted mail provides a stronger and more secure connection between rings, making it more suitable for heavy armor and high-impact combat. Butted mail, on the other hand, offers a lighter and more flexible armor, making it more suitable for lighter armored troops and agile combat.