chain mail bernie ( byrnie ) shirt

Made From 16ga. Steel  -  7/16" diam. Links (5/16" inside)  -  4 in1 pattern

Our Chain Mail Shirts

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A Brief History of Chain Mail Armor

Generally referred to as "chain mail" or "ring mail", this flexible form of armor is usually associated with knights of the Medieval Age. However, it was most likely invented by Celts several hundred years before Christ. Chain mail appears in Greek art of circa 300 B.C. It was used by Roman warriors and Vikings, by Carolingian* Paladins in 8^th and 9^th centuries A.D., as well as by knights in the High Middle Ages.

Mail was lightweight and versatile, useful for defense against slashing weapons, but it could be pierced if struck by a sharp object with enough force. Also, mail could not prevent bone breaks and internal injuries to the wearer when struck hard enough by a blunt weapon such as a jousting lance, club or mace. A wise warrior wore padding beneath his mail to increase protection.

Still, it was an early, very desirable form of protection for those who could afford it. The production of mail was very costly and labor intensive. Mail garments were so expensive that they were available almost exclusively to knights with enough wealth to obtain them. Common soldiers rarely possessed such protection.

By the early Middle Ages, mail was available to cover every part of the body from head to foot. In the 11^th century A.D., the knight’s hauberk or byrnie / bernie (shirt) became longer and closer fitting; sleeves were lengthened from biceps to wrists, and the hem dropped to below the knee. By the 13^th century, thin solid plates appeared as an enhancement to the mail suit, and mail protection for horses had become common. By the early 14^th century, plate armor had been added for protection of joints and extremities.

Improved war technology brought such weapons as the long bow, crossbow and other high speed projectiles, against which, chain mail was inadequate for protection. Bit by bit, piece by piece, mail was replaced by plate armor.

In about 1440, the first full suit of plate armor was produced. Still, so flexible and adaptable was mail that as plate armor began to see widespread use, mail continued to be utilized to cover all the parts that simple plate pieces did not.

 *Carolingian, from the Latin ‘Carolus Magnus’ (Charles the Great), also known as Charlemagne

Shipping: We have been in business for over 30 years so you can count on top quality, value, good service and prompt delivery. All is carefully packed in a heavy duty, double wall  kraft corrugated carton to insure damage free product. The merchandise is shipped via Standard Ground Service (Fed Ex or UPS).  Shipping costs very per item. Orders are shipped by UPS or FED EX ground within the continental United States only. Shipments to Hawaii and Alaska will be quoted on an individual basis. We can also ship to Canada. Call for a freight quote. No shipping service is offered to any other countries.  RMA required on all returns. Must be in new salable condition.

Packaging: Some of the carriers can be rough on packages. We all have had experiences with patiently waiting for a mail order or online order only to find it damaged upon arrival. We take every precautionary measure to pack your new storage unit very well in a heavy weight container with sufficient padding to insure a safe ride to your home regardless of the color of the truck.

Lead Time: Most orders are shipped within 3-5 days. Average transit time is 2-7 business days depending on your area of the country and location