Mail Shirt with Attached Amulets
Cultureperhaps
Ottoman
Date1600s–1700s
Mediumiron with fragments of leather and cord
Dimensions73 × 104 cm (28 3/4 × 40 15/16 in.), 12 lb 14 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.853
DescriptionShort cusped sleeves, with overlapped V-neck and remains of a leather collar. Multiple types of mail are present. The chest has all riveted links, internal dia. c. 7mm, apparently with rectangular rivet-holes; these are very flat, worn, and patinated, and might be reused medieval European mail. The mail of the sleeves is similar. The back alternates between riveted and solid links; the front may be of the same mail. Lighter links at edge of sleeves. Round rivets, slightly proud.
A number of iron attachments are riveted to mail, possibly amulets; see photos in the digital file.
Label TextIn some areas, particularly Turkey and Russia, mail was occasionally decorated with applied dangles and studs. The haphazard arrangement of the studs riveted to this shirt suggests that they were not decorative, so they were probably intended as protective amulets. The remains of a leather collar can be seen at the neck.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on April 14, 1930 from March Brown, Surrey, England. Given to the Museum on December 26, 1946. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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