Difference between revisions of "Chain mail"
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During [[World War One]], experiments were carried out to determine whether or not chain mail would be an effective bulletproof material. Testing proved that chain mail actually increased the damage a bullet caused to a body, by fragmenting and carrying more metal into the wound. Chain mail did, however, find limited use in masks designed to prevent shrapnel damage, which proved effective in testing but in practice were unpopular with soldiers due to the appearance and weight. | During [[World War One]], experiments were carried out to determine whether or not chain mail would be an effective bulletproof material. Testing proved that chain mail actually increased the damage a bullet caused to a body, by fragmenting and carrying more metal into the wound. Chain mail did, however, find limited use in masks designed to prevent shrapnel damage, which proved effective in testing but in practice were unpopular with soldiers due to the appearance and weight. | ||
[[Image:chainmail.jpg|thumb|right|Some chain mail]] | [[Image:chainmail.jpg|thumb|right|Some chain mail]] | ||
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| + | In more recent times, modernised chain mail can be seen in protective gloves for butchers and others who use sharp cutting tools, as well as in shark-proof diving suits. | ||
Properly speaking, it should be referred to as either "Chain" or "Maille". "Chainmail" is a [[neologism]] created by [[Victorian]] historians. | Properly speaking, it should be referred to as either "Chain" or "Maille". "Chainmail" is a [[neologism]] created by [[Victorian]] historians. | ||
Revision as of 20:37, January 27, 2011
A simple, relatively light form of armor, chain mail was one of the main forms of defense during the Middle Ages. As opposed to the heavier, more protective plate armor, chain mail consists of various interlocking links throughout. Chain mail was never designed to completely protect the wearer, but instead helped to make a glancing blow non-fatal. Chain mail became obsolete after the construction of firearms, which made the armor entirely useless. During World War One, experiments were carried out to determine whether or not chain mail would be an effective bulletproof material. Testing proved that chain mail actually increased the damage a bullet caused to a body, by fragmenting and carrying more metal into the wound. Chain mail did, however, find limited use in masks designed to prevent shrapnel damage, which proved effective in testing but in practice were unpopular with soldiers due to the appearance and weight.
In more recent times, modernised chain mail can be seen in protective gloves for butchers and others who use sharp cutting tools, as well as in shark-proof diving suits.
Properly speaking, it should be referred to as either "Chain" or "Maille". "Chainmail" is a neologism created by Victorian historians.