Maille: Difference between revisions

From Cunnan
Jump to navigationJump to search
m (spelling, grammar)
(move the sections around)
 
(20 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Maille''' is the [[period]]-correct [[French]] term for what has commonly been called ''' ''"chainmail"'' ''' since [[Victorian]] times and now modernly in [[roleplaying|D&D]]. ''' '' 'Mail' '' ''' or ''' '' 'mayle' '' ''' are the equivalent [[English]] terms. Maille is made of many interlocking [[metal]] rings, and one of the most common forms of [[armour]] was the maille [[hauberk]].
'''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]]. The modern equivalent is simply, ''mail''.


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).
== Manufacture ==


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.
In [[Europe]], the 1-to-4 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 1-to-4 being the most common) and often combined with metal plates linked in with the rings.


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]].
Historically, the rings composing mail [[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]]. Also structural integrity of the garment could be held without a heavier gauge of wire, when compared to butted mail.
== Historical Mail ==


=== Size ===
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, which is also used by reenactment groups.
Historically mail was smaller than most mail currently used by [[recreation group|recreationist societies]]. Extent [[Viking]] Age mail was made from approximately 1.2 mm diameter iron 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.
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. 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.


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


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.
== 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.


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.
=== Construction ===

Extent [[byrnie]]s have been tested and demonstrated to be made of alternatively riveted and punched mail. Later mail was entirely riveted.
Extent [[byrnie]]s have been tested and demonstrated to be made of alternatively riveted and punched mail. By the mid [[15th century]] 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.
[[Viking]] age mail links frequently have a round or oval section, although some solid rings have a profile that is almost square.

==Riveted Maille==
Evidence suggests that the vast majority of medieval [[European]] maille was composed of [[rivet]]ed links, not butted.

===Components===
====Links====
Riveted links are quite dissimiliar to the butted wire links found on many modern replicas. While inner/outer dimensions are usually the same, the link itself is normally flat, not round. The two ends of the link overlap and are flattened further. A slot or hole goes through both overlapping segments.

The link begins life as raw material (usually some form of [[steel]] of a similar composition to modern mild steel). From this, [[Making wire|wire is made]]. The circular links are formed on a [[mandrel]], then flattened in a press. A special tool is used to punch the slot or hole for the rivet.

====Rivets====
[[Rivet]]s can be either a thin triangular wedge, or a traditional (though quite small) solid rivet.

* Wedge rivets are usually made by snipping from a ribbon of sheet steel. They are triangular in form, with a larger height than base.
* Solid steel rivets are pressed from a rod.
===Construction===
Riveted maille garments come in two configurations:
# '''Fully-riveted:''' Every link has a rivet.
# '''Half-riveted:''' Every other link is solid.
Links are manipulated similiarly to butted maille, with [[pliers]]. Additionally, an [[anvil]], [[hammer]], and [[rivet setter]] are required. To close a link, the rivet is placed into the slot or hole on the link, and then placed into the jaw of the [[rivet setter]], which pushes the rivet solidly into place. The [[rivet setter]] is then used to compress the protruding point or tip of the rivet, usually with aid of the [[hammer]] and [[anvil]], by placing the [[rivet setter]] jaws on the anvil with the link held tightly, and striking the top of the setter.

Great care must be taken when integrating links into a sheet, because once riveted in place, no adjustments can be made short of cutting out the link. Additionally, all links must be addded such that the heads of the rivets face the same direction (usually away from the wearer). When following the half-riveted configuration, it is critical to add four solid links onto any riveted link you intend to attach (minus riveted links that act as mere connectors), lest a riveted link be attached that later needs a solid link added (which is impossible without deconstruction).

===Benefits===
The primary benefit of riveted maille is strength. Links will rarely be shed, reducing maintenance in the long run. Secondly, they cannot easily be split by force (such as from an [[arrow]]), as butted maille can. Finally, the flattened links reduce the overall weight of the garment.

==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. In the last couple of years 6mm ID mail has become available and its price has dropped to become quite affordable.

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 societies, you will find people whose skill at making historically accurate mail varies right across the spectrum; from amateur to true artisan.




==External Links==
*[http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/fireandsteel/swim.htm Swimming in Viking Age Mail]
* [http://moas.atlantia.sca.org/wsnlinks/index.php?action=displaycat&catid=155 Atlantian A&S Links: Mail]


[[category:armour]]
[[category:armour]]

Latest revision as of 13:20, 24 February 2011

Maille is the period-correct French term for a metal defence of interlocking rings. Mail or mayle are the equivalent English terms, magula the Italian. The modern equivalent is simply, mail.

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-enactors (unless they actually portray and speak as medieval 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 hauberks, and byrnies as well as in smaller sections in voiders and standards.

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.

Historical Mail

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 iron wire with an internal diameter of 5.5 to 6 mm. Later period hauberks and voiders 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

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.

Extent byrnies have been tested and demonstrated to be made of alternatively riveted and punched mail. By the mid 15th century 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.

Riveted Maille

Evidence suggests that the vast majority of medieval European maille was composed of riveted links, not butted.

Components

Links

Riveted links are quite dissimiliar to the butted wire links found on many modern replicas. While inner/outer dimensions are usually the same, the link itself is normally flat, not round. The two ends of the link overlap and are flattened further. A slot or hole goes through both overlapping segments.

The link begins life as raw material (usually some form of steel of a similar composition to modern mild steel). From this, wire is made. The circular links are formed on a mandrel, then flattened in a press. A special tool is used to punch the slot or hole for the rivet.

Rivets

Rivets can be either a thin triangular wedge, or a traditional (though quite small) solid rivet.

  • Wedge rivets are usually made by snipping from a ribbon of sheet steel. They are triangular in form, with a larger height than base.
  • Solid steel rivets are pressed from a rod.

Construction

Riveted maille garments come in two configurations:

  1. Fully-riveted: Every link has a rivet.
  2. Half-riveted: Every other link is solid.

Links are manipulated similiarly to butted maille, with pliers. Additionally, an anvil, hammer, and rivet setter are required. To close a link, the rivet is placed into the slot or hole on the link, and then placed into the jaw of the rivet setter, which pushes the rivet solidly into place. The rivet setter is then used to compress the protruding point or tip of the rivet, usually with aid of the hammer and anvil, by placing the rivet setter jaws on the anvil with the link held tightly, and striking the top of the setter.

Great care must be taken when integrating links into a sheet, because once riveted in place, no adjustments can be made short of cutting out the link. Additionally, all links must be addded such that the heads of the rivets face the same direction (usually away from the wearer). When following the half-riveted configuration, it is critical to add four solid links onto any riveted link you intend to attach (minus riveted links that act as mere connectors), lest a riveted link be attached that later needs a solid link added (which is impossible without deconstruction).

Benefits

The primary benefit of riveted maille is strength. Links will rarely be shed, reducing maintenance in the long run. Secondly, they cannot easily be split by force (such as from an arrow), as butted maille can. Finally, the flattened links reduce the overall weight of the garment.

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. In the last couple of years 6mm ID mail has become available and its price has dropped to become quite affordable.

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 recreationists societies, you will find people whose skill at making historically accurate mail varies right across the spectrum; from amateur to true artisan.


External Links