Mail hand protection predates the plate gauntlet by well over a century, originally formed simply by extending the sleeves of a mail hauberk into an enclosed mitten shape worn over a leather glove. Made from thousands of individually riveted rings, mail gloves offered genuinely effective protection against cuts and slashes while remaining flexible enough for continuous wear, though they gave less defence against blunt, crushing impact than the articulated plate gauntlets that developed from the 14th century onward. This reproduction recreates that early mail hand protection as a matched pair.
Chainmail Gauntlets, Pair
Before plate hand armour developed, mail gloves offered the earliest widespread form of dedicated hand protection, extending the coverage of a mail hauberk down over the fingers. Woven from interlinked metal rings, mail gauntlets flexed naturally with the hand, offering good defence against cuts while sacrificing some protection against crushing blows compared to solid plate. This reproduction recreates that early mail hand protection as a matched pair, suited to an early-period or lightly armoured impression.
Related products
-
Gothic Gauntlets, Fingered, Pair
SKU: AH6023NBy the 15th century, articulated fingered gauntlets had matured into a genuine feat of armouring, with individually plated fingers that gave a knight real dexterity without sacrificing protection. Gothic-style gauntlets carried the lightly fluted, ridged surface treatment typical of German 15th-century armour, extending the harness’s visual language down to the hands. This pair recreates that fingered construction, offering a close, articulated fit suited to gripping a sword, lance, or reins.
-
Mitten Gauntlets, Pair
SKU: AH6029Mitten-style gauntlets enclose all four fingers together within a single armoured compartment, trading individual finger movement for maximum protection and impact resistance. This design leaves the interior free enough for genuine weapon control while raised knuckles double as a striking surface for unarmed fighting. Historically popular among infantry using polearms and heavy weapons, this pair can also be worn over a thick leather glove for extra comfort.
-
Chainmail Hauberk, 9mm Rings, Large, Galvanized
SKU: AH3867MS.BT16G.9.L.GV.HSMail is a type of armour built from small metal rings linked together in a pattern to form a flexible mesh, historically one of the most enduring forms of body protection in the world. This hauberk covers the arms and complete upper body and thighs, worn pulled on over the head like a heavy shirt. Built from 9mm rings with a galvanized finish for genuine rust resistance, this piece is battle-ready and suited to full-contact re-enactment combat.
-
Chainmail Hauberk, 9mm Rings, Extra Large, Galvanized
SKU: AH3867MS.BT16G.9.XL.GV.HSMail is a type of armour built from small metal rings linked together in a pattern to form a flexible mesh, historically one of the most enduring forms of body protection in the world. This hauberk covers the arms and complete upper body and thighs, sized Extra Large for bigger wearers. Built from 9mm rings with a galvanized finish for genuine rust resistance, this piece is battle-ready and suited to full-contact re-enactment combat.
