Medieval Knights Butted Steel Chain Mail Coif Head Armor

Description MEDIEVAL KNIGHTS BUTTED STEEL CHAIN MAIL COIF HEAD ARMOR Chain mail was the principal armor or Europe from the 10th century through the 13th, until the advent of lighter plate armor in the 14th century.  A coif is a protective hood that covers the head and neck.  It can be worn alone or under a helmet as additional protection.  Chain mail was laboriously fabricated from metal rings and provided good protection against cutting and penetrating weapons.  It did little to dissipate the impact of a blow so it was always worn over a padded undergarment.  This coif has a triangular face opening and fits a size 7-1/2 head over an arming cap with room to spare. It is made of 16 gauge (.0625″ diameter) chemically blackened steel rings with a 1 cm inside diameter.  The blackening gives it some added rust resistance over bare steel rings.  The rings are assembled in the typical 4 in 1 pattern and butted together.  Butting was not historically done in Medieval Europe where the rings were rivet together for strength.  The riveting process is so labor intensive, that reproduction riveted mail is many times more expensive than butted mail.  However, the butted mail is formed of very stiff wire, and if put on and removed with care, you aren’t going to open these links up.  It is fine for theatrical or costume use and can handle blows from foam weapons.  It will not stop real metal tipped arrows or edged weapons so don’t try it.  If you plan to fight in reeactments with real weapons you need historically accurate riveted mail. Chain mail is one of the early forms of armor, was commonly worn by the knight on the battle field. The butted steel construction allows great flexibility while providing a substantial amount of protection from slicing weapons. Fits most. Excellent to use in exhibit, cosplay, reenactment or Live Action Roleplay.