Riveted vs butted mail
A great topic for medieval enthusiasts!
Riveted and butted mail are two different methods of constructing chainmail, a type of armor made from interlocking iron rings.
Riveted Mail:
In riveted mail, the rings are connected by small metal rivets, which are hammered through the rings and then bent over to secure them in place. This method is also known as "riveted chainmail" or "riveted armor." The rivets are typically made of the same material as the rings, such as iron or steel.
The advantages of riveted mail include:
- Increased strength and durability: The rivets provide additional support and stability to the rings, making the armor more resistant to impact and penetration.
- Better protection: The rivets can help to distribute the force of an impact more evenly, reducing the risk of ring failure.
- Easier to manufacture: Riveted mail can be made using a simple hammer and anvil, making it a more accessible option for medieval blacksmiths.
Butted Mail:
In butted mail, the rings are connected by overlapping the ends of the rings and hammering them together to form a secure joint. This method is also known as "butted chainmail" or "butted armor." The overlapping ends of the rings are called "butts."
The advantages of butted mail include:
- Lighter and more flexible: Butted mail is often lighter and more flexible than riveted mail, making it more suitable for use in armor that requires a greater range of motion.
- Easier to repair: Butted mail can be repaired by simply re-butting the rings together, whereas riveted mail requires the removal of the rivets and re-riveting.
- Aesthetically pleasing: Butted mail can create a more intricate and decorative pattern, as the overlapping rings can be arranged in various ways to create a unique design.
Comparison:
Both riveted and butted mail have their advantages and disadvantages. Riveted mail is generally stronger and more durable, but also heavier and more difficult to manufacture. Butted mail is lighter and more flexible, but may be less effective against heavy impacts.
In terms of historical accuracy, both methods were used in medieval Europe, with riveted mail being more common in the 12th to 14th centuries and butted mail being more common in the 15th to 16th centuries.
Ultimately, the choice between riveted and butted mail depends on the specific needs and preferences of the wearer, as well as the level of craftsmanship and resources available.