Apr 9, 2020

Hauberk

Hauberk

1400s

Riveted steel rings

Overall: 121.3 x 85.7 cm (47 3/4 x 33 3/4 in.)

Weight: 9.295 kg (20.49 lbs.)

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1543

Did you know?

Although this hauberk weighs about 21 pounds, the even distribution of the weight makes it easy to wear.

Description

A hauberk is a mail shirt commonly extending to mid-thigh. Mail, a type of armor made from interlocking iron or steel rings, was effective at protecting the wearer from the sharp cuts of a sword, and yet was less useful against crushing impacts from blunt weapons. A hauberk would have been worn over an aketon, a padded protective garment.

See also

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