Maille

2006-08-01T16:20:54Z

80.47.172.115: /* Recreationist Mail */

'''Maille''' is the [[period]]-correct [[French]] term for a [[metal]] defence of interlocking rings. ''Mail'' or ''mayle'' are the equivalent [[English]] terms, ''magula'' the [[Italy|Italian]]. All these terms are derived from the Latin ''macula'' meaning ''net''. The use of ''maille'' rather than ''mail'' is deemed an unnecessary affectation, by many [[re-enactor]]s (unless they actually portray and speak as [[medieval]] [[France|French]] warriors).

It is known from about the [[5th century BC]] and survived in various forms up until the [[20th century]] where it was last issued as a defence against shrapnel inside tanks. [[Medieval]] versions of this [[armour]] are common in the forms of [[hauberk]]s, and [[byrnie]]s as well as in smaller sections in [[voider]]s and [[standard]]s.

Since the [[Victorian]] era this type of [[armour]] has been refered to as ''chainmail'' and this practise caries over into the vernacular and in [[roleplaying]] games such as [[Dungeons and Dragons]].

== Manufacture ==
In [[Europe]], the 4-in-1 pattern was completely dominant. In [[East Asia]] (primarily [[Japan]]), mail was also common, but here several more patterns were utilized and an entire nomenclature developed around them. In the [[Middle East]] and [[India]], yet other patterns were developed (but 4-in-1 being the most common) and often combined with metal plates linked in with the rings.

Some late period [[plate armour]] incorporated 6-in-1 in small patches to cover vulnerable joints at the elbow, armpit and knee. Laced to the [[gambeson]], the dense, heavy 6-in-1 pattern provided excellent protection from piercing weapons, but was far too heavy for use in an entire [[hauberk]], using twice as much [[metal]] to cover the same area as the traditional 4-in-1 pattern.

==Recreationist Mail==
Historically, the rings composing mail [[armour]] would be riveted, welded shut or constructed of punched rings, to reduce the chance of the rings splitting open when subjected to a thrusting attack or a hit by an [[arrow]]. Also structural integrity of the garment could be held without a heavier gauge of wire, when compared to butted mail.

In modern [[re-enactment]] (uncommon) and [[live-action roleplaying]] games (most often), split sprung [[steel]] washers are sometimes used. Usually two pairs of pliers are used to bend the washers open and closed whilst "knitting" the chainmail. The resulting mail is usually heavier than traditional wire-wound mail, which is also used by reenactment groups.

Members of the [[New Varangian Guard]] and other Australian reenactment groups sometimes make their maille from spring steel rings. By using spring steel, you can use a finer gauge of wire and still retain strength.

However, for truly tough and light maille, you cannot go past riveted maille and many [[re-enactment]] groups are increasingly moving to this option.

Another option, if you have the money, is always titanium - strong, light and if you ask some nicely they might anodize it for you. It is not, however, historically correct.

In the [[SCA]] and other [[recreationist]]s scoieties, you will find people whose skill at making historically accurate mail varies right across the spectrum; from amateur to true artisan.

==Historical Mail (Physical Form) ==
=== Size ===
Historically mail was smaller than most mail currently used by recreationist societies. Extent [[Viking]] Age mail was made from approximately 1.2 mm diameter wire with an internal diameter of 5.5 to 6 mm. Later period [[hauberk]]s and [[voider]]s followed the same size.

Modern experiments with a mail [[byrnie]] made to similar dimensions to historical examples have revealed that is it possible to not only swim in mail, but also to float.

=== Construction ===
Extent [[byrnie]]s have been tested and demonstrated to be made of alternatively riveted and punched mail. Later mail was entirely riveted.

[[Viking]] age mail links frequently have a round or oval section, although some solid rings have a profile that is almost square.

==External Link==
[http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/fireandsteel/swim.htm Swimming in Viking Age Mail]

[[category:armour]]

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Maille