Medium Blackened Steel Mail Haubergeon

Tempered for combat, this mail tunic is fashioned from blackened mild steel rings woven in the classic 4-in-1 pattern—balancing strength, flexibility, and authentic battlefield style. The armpits are reinforced with riveted mail, providing extra protection at key stress points where armour takes the heaviest wear.

Constructed from 16-gauge wire with 10 mm butted links, this haubergeon delivers dependable defence without sacrificing mobility. Field repairs are simple—damaged rings can be swiftly replaced with spare steel links, keeping you battle-ready at all times.

Blackened maille is treated to help prevent rusting. Bear in mind though that with use the protective outer layer will be stripped back from normal sparring/combat damage so some maintenance is still required to keep the maille rust free.

While there are examples of blackened armour in history, on the whole armour like maille was kept to a mirror polish to prevent rust. However in modern times not every re-enactor or LARPer has a serf to polish their armour, and so maintenance can be a constant consternation. Blackened maille helps alleviate the need for strict maintenance regimes. Like all steel it will of course still need care and attention, although most likely less than it's brighter counterparts.

Mail itself has a long and storied history. Invented sometime in the mid-1st millennium BC, its exact origin remains unknown. Several linking patterns existed across ancient cultures, but the 1-to-4 configuration—where each ring interlocks with four others—proved the most effective. In Europe, this pattern became the standard, enduring for centuries as the hallmark of a true warrior’s defence.

Size: Medium
Links: 10mm butted
Chest or girth: 1320mm ± 20mm
Length is approx 840mm
Sleeve length (measured underarm) approx. 28cm
Weight: 8.5kg approx.