15th C. European Iron Chain Mail Hauberk

Central Europe, probably Germany, ca. 15th to 16th century CE. A large fragment of a chain mail hauberk, made of interlocking riveted and welded iron rings, designed as a long shirt that could protect the torso and upper thighs of its wearer. During much of the medieval period, hauberks served as primary protection for warriors in battle; from the later 14th century, however, they came to be used with plate armor, as advancing weapons technology meant that mail alone could not protect from many blows. Hauberks were heavy and thus primarily worn by mounted soldiers. Just imagine trying to run into battle wearing this heavy weight! This example was made for a large man and is protected in a frame. Size: 28" W x 46" H (71.1 cm x 116.8 cm); Size of frame: 36" W x 48" H (91.4 cm x 121.9 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, purchased 2018; ex-Osborne collection, South Carolina, USA; ex-Timeline Auctions, Romford, UK; ex-German weapons collection, acquired during the Cold War period

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#151141
Condition Report: Mail has losses, but is largely preserved with rich patina and some light deposits on the surface. Preserved in a modern wooden frame. Top of frame is slightly separated.