Chainmail Coifs

Mail was thought to have been invented by the Celts. The earliest example was found in a Celtic Chieftain's burial in Romania. It was a popular form of defence for the warrior elite of the Viking and Early Medieval periods. It is often (wrongly) referred to as chainmail but this terminology was first introduced by Sir Walter Scott in 1822 in his novel "The Fortunes of Nigel". In the medieval period it was simply known as "Mail".

The coif was designed to protect the head, neck and shoulders against damage from bladed weapons. It was very effective at doing so - the Royal Armouries have conducted tests with well-made mail and concluded that "it is almost impossible to penetrate using any conventional medieval weapon". The Mail Coif is constructed by hand from hundreds of steel rings and will fit all but the largest of heads. The rings are uncoated mild steel to provide an authentic finish and covered in a light layer of oil to prevent rust.

This item is crafted using mild steel rings. If you require even greater durability please check our high tensile steel products or our Riveted Chainmail section.

Finish: Natural
Material: 16 gauge Mild Steel
Ring Type: Round / Butted
Diameter: 9.5mm

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

Buy the Chainmail Coif - Square Face - Butted Round Ring Steel with confidence from the UK’s leading chainmail retailer.