Medieval Chain Mail Specimen - Authentic 15th Century Four-in-One Mail Rings

Authentic Medieval Chain Mail You Can Hold

This medieval chain mail specimen holds five connected rings in the four-in-one weave. They were assembled by craft workers hundreds of years ago. The rings sit in a jar with a removable top.

Product Details

• Specimen: Five connected chain mail rings
• Weave: Four-in-one chain mail, the standard European pattern for hundreds of years
• Date: 15th century CE
• Source: Fragments of several ruined garments
• Display: Specimen jar in a glass-topped riker case, 4.5 in x 3.5 in
• Includes: Information card
• Note: Rings were forged and assembled by hand, so size, color and texture vary.

The Sunset of Mail

Mail is a mesh of interlinked metal rings. It was the dominant body armor in Europe for centuries, into the 14th century. Plate armor then took over as the main protection during the 15th century.

These 15th century mail rings come from that last era, when plate armor was replacing mail.

Four Rings Through One

In the four-in-one chain mail pattern, each ring links through four others. Because the rings came from several garments, each one shows its own braid.

That makes every set of medieval chain mail rings unique. Find more history in our Authentic Historical Artifacts.

Display and Care

Keep the jar closed and the case dry. Metal rings can tarnish, so avoid damp air and handle the rings rarely.

About Medieval Mail

Mail did not vanish with plate armor. It was kept to protect joints and exposed areas. A few 15th century mail rings let you feel how it was made.

For More Reading from the Web

• Learn how mail gave way to plate armor in medieval and Renaissance Europe. The Function of Armor in Medieval and Renaissance Europe - The Met
• Read the supplier's page on this specimen. Medieval Chain Mail - Mini Museum