Chainmaille: Difference between revisions
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#REDIRECT [[maille]] |
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'''Chainmail''' is a material used to make [[armour]], and consists of small rings of [[metal]] put together to form a mesh. Chainmail has been used at least since the time of the [[Roman Empire]], and was an important armour material up until fully articulated plate armour became available. Several ways of linking the rings together have been known since ancient times, the most common being the 1-to-4 pattern where each ring is linked with four others. |
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The word '''chainmail''' is actually an [[anachronism]]. In the [[Middle Ages]] and [[Renaissance]], it was simply called "mail", "maile" or "maille"; derived, through the [[Italian]] "maglia", from [[Latin]] "macula" - meaning "net". The custom of calling it chainmail was due to a mistaken belief that there were other types of maille (eg "banded maille") which have since been proven to be false. |
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== Manufacture == |
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In [[Europe]], the 1-to-4 pattern was almost completely dominant, with 1-to-6 being seen very rarely. In [[East Asia]] (primarily [[Japan]]), chainmail was also common, but here several more patterns were utilized and an entire nomenclature developed around them. In the [[Middle East]], yet other patterns were developed and often combined with metal plates linked in with the rings. |
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Historically, the rings composing a chainmail armour would be riveted or welded shut, to reduce the chance of the rings splitting open when subjected to a thrusting attack or a hit by an [[arrow]]. |
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In modern [[re-enactment]] and Live-action roleplaying games, split sprung steel washers are sometimes used. Usually a 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. |
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Members of the [[New Varangian Guard]] 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. |
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In the [[SCA]], you will find people whose skill at making historically accurate mail varies right across the spectrum; from amateur to true artisan. |
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== Trivia == |
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In tests during the World War I, chainmail was tested as a material for bullet proof vests, but results were unsatisfactory, as the rings would fragment and further aggravate the damage. A mail fringe, designed by Captain Cruise of the British Infantry, was also added to helmets to protect the face - this proved unpopular with [[soldier]]s, in spite of being tested proof against a three-ounce shrapnel round fired at a distance of one hundred yards (92.3m). |
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In many [[film]]s, chainmail is sometimes substituted for by [[knitting|knitted]] cloth spray painted with a metallic [[paint]]. In the British TV series "Robin of Sherwood" the actor playing Guy of Gisborne had to be cut out of his "sprayed string" maille after an extended fight scene in a river. The string shrunk when wet, and he was fast starting to look like a pressed ham! |
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There are also machines which knit wire to produce a material which looks somewhat like maille. This metal fabric is used for the manufacture of things like [[butcher]]s' [[glove]]s. |
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Most of the maille used in "Lord of the Rings" was made from rings cut from PVC pipe, preventing rust problems from the New Zealand weather. The suits were still made by hand (literally! no pliers were required), in the European 4-in-1 style. |
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== External Links == |
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* Online Guild - http://www.mailleartisans.org/ |
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* How to make chain - http://realbeer.com/jjpalmer/HowtoChain.html |
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* Another howto make chain - http://home.t-online.de/home/Tempora-Nostra/eketthm.htm |
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* Where to buy rings: |
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** http://www.theringlord.com (Canada) |
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** http://http://www.dcwireworks.com/ (USA based but cost of shipping up to 4 via DHS is only $10US!) |
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** http://www.manningimperial.com/ Ballarat Victoria (good source of spring steel rings) |
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* Links from the [[College of St Monica]]s chainmail meeting |
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** http://www.theringlord.com |
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** http://www.thebeckoning.com/medieval/armour/chainmaile.html |
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** http://www.arador.com/ |
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** http://www.geocities.com/lyanna96/warmor.html (Specifically for women) |
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** http://home.t-online.de/home/Tempora-Nostra/eketthm.htm |
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** http://www.caradoc.org/~iain/gusari.html |
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** http://www.chainmailconnection.com/ |
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** http://www.chainmail.com/chainmall/cteach2.htm |
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** http://members.aol.com/sblades/maile.html (scary) |
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** http://www.karlmadsen.com ([[Karel of the Three Isles]]) |
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Latest revision as of 23:27, 10 October 2005
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