Riveted Mail Shirt, Birka

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Mail armor was called "Brynja" by Vikings, and it was worn in the form of a mail shirt by those who could afford it. Our mail shirt is made from uncoated 14 gauge riveted round steel rings with 14 gauge solid flat steel washers. The outer diameter of the rings is 11 mm, which gives good protection and a historical appearance. The mail shirt has half sleeves and comes in three sizes.

Our mail armor is based on the bachelor's thesis in archaeology (Ringväv från Birkas garnison) by Fredrik Ehlton about the Viking Age mail armor find at the garrison of Birka, which is a solid source of what Viking mail looked like regarding the ring size and construction. The rings found at the garrison can be split up into two categories: Thick rings (2-3 mm) that are 12-13 mm in outer diameter and thinner rings (1-2 mm) that are 10-12 in diameter. The amount of solid rings and riveted rings was equal, which speaks for the use of solid rows. We have decided to go with the smaller rings, choosing the average thickness and diameter = 1.5 mm and 11 mm.

SIZE GUIDE

Medium Size:
- Chest circumference: 120 cm / 47 inches
- Length: 80 cm / 31 inches
- Length of sleeve: 25 cm / 10 inches
- Weight: Approx. 12.7 kg / 28 lbs

Large Size:
- Chest circumference: 130 cm / 51 inches.
- Length: 85 cm / 33 inches
- Length of sleeve: 30 cm / 12 inches
- Weight: Approx. 14.5 kg / 32 lbs

Extra-Large Size:
- Chest circumference: 140 cm / 55 inches.
- Length: 90 cm / 35 inches
- Length of sleeve: 35 cm / 14 inches
- Weight: Approx. 16.7 kg / 37 lbs

HEAD OPENING

It is quite simple to remove a few rings from the sides of the head opening, if you wish it to be wider. A popular method is also to cut open rings down the frong, creating a "slit" that can be closed with leather cords.